Cytomegalovirus Infections

CAMBRIDGE, Mass.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Shorla Oncology (‘Shorla’), a U.S.-Ireland specialty pharmaceutical company, announced today that the U.S. Food and Drug Administration has granted approval for 100 mg/10mL multi-dose vial of TEPYLUTE, a ready-to-dilute formulation of thiotepa to treat breast and ovarian cancer, that eliminates the need for reconstitution and may reduce preparation time and errors offering more scheduling flexibility for their patients. Shorla Oncology Announces FDA Approval of TEPYLUTE® 100mg, First and Only Ready-to-Dilute Multi-Dose Vial of Thiotepa to Treat Breast and Ovarian Cancer and Commercial Launch of TEPYLUTE 15mg and 100mg Vials in the U.S. “We are pleased to offer another viable treatment option for patients with breast and ovarian cancer,” said Sharon Cunningham, Chief Executive Officer and Co-Founder of Shorla Oncology. “Once opened, our 100mg vial of TEPYLUTE is stable for 14 days when properly stored, giving providers the flexibility they need when preparing and administering this very important treatment. TEPYLUTE is a ready to dilute formulation of a well-established, standard of care oncology drug thiotepa that has been manufactured as freeze-dried powder since the 1950s. “This is a huge win for providers because TEPYLUTE avoids the need for complicated and time-consuming reconstitution,” said Orlaith Ryan, Chief Technical Officer and Co-Founder of Shorla Oncology. We are excited to bring TEPYLUTE to the US Market. It provides consistent dosing accuracy and allows for “just in time” preparation, which benefits everyone, especially patients.” said Rayna Herman, Chief Commercial Officer, Shorla Oncology. The American Cancer Society estimates that more than 300,000 women will be diagnosed with breast cancer in the U.S in 2025.2 About 20,890 women will be diagnosed with ovarian cancer in the U.S. in 2025.3 About Shorla Oncology Shorla Oncology is a privately- held, U.S. and Ireland- based commercial stage specialty pharmaceutical company established by Sharon Cunningham and Orlaith Ryan. The company has an advanced pipeline of innovative oncology drugs for orphan and pediatric cancers. Shorla is focused on indications where existing treatments are limited, in shortage or the drug applications are inadequate for the target population. The company’s growing portfolio brings accessible, affordable and life-saving treatments to patients, delivering a major contribution to patient care. Shorla currently markets three products, Nelarabine for the treatment of T-cell leukemia, JYLAMVO™ for the treatment of acute lymphoblastic leukemia and other indications and IMKELDI for the treatment of Chronic Myeloid Leukemia, Gastrointestinal Stromal Tumors (GISTs) and other indications. For further information, please visit www.shorlaoncology.com. TEPYLUTE® (thiotepa) Injection for Intravenous Use INDICATION TEPYLUTE is an alkylating drug indicated for the treatment of adenocarcinoma of the breast or ovary. IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION WARNING: SEVERE MYELOSUPPRESSION and CARCINOGENICITY • TEPYLUTE may cause severe marrow suppression, and high doses may cause marrow ablation with resulting infection or bleeding. Monitor hematologic laboratory parameters. • TEPYLUTE should be considered potentially carcinogenic in humans. CONTRAINDICATIONS TEPYLUTE is contraindicated in patients with severe hypersensitivity to thiotepa and in concomitant use with live or attenuated vaccines. WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS Myelosuppression : For patients receiving TEPYLUTE for treatment of adenocarcinoma of the breast or adenocarcinoma of the ovary, if the bone marrow has been compromised by prior irradiation or chemotherapy, or is recovering from chemotherapy, the risk of severe myelosuppression with TEPYLUTE may be increased. Perform periodic complete blood counts during the course of treatment with TEPYLUTE. Provide supportive care for infections, bleeding, and symptomatic anemia. Inform patients of the possibility of developing low blood cell counts and the need for hematopoietic progenitor cell infusion. Instruct patients to immediately report to their healthcare provider if bleeding or fever occurs. Hypersensitivity: Clinically significant hypersensitivity reactions, including anaphylaxis, have occurred following administration of thiotepa. If anaphylactic or other clinically significant allergic reaction occurs, discontinue treatment with TEPYLUTE, initiate appropriate therapy, and monitor until signs and symptoms resolve. Counsel patients on the signs and symptoms of hypersensitivity and to seek immediate emergency assistance if they develop any of these signs and symptoms. Cutaneous Toxicity: TEPYLUTE and/or its active metabolites may be excreted in part via skin in patients receiving high-dose therapy. Treatment with TEPYLUTE may cause skin discoloration, pruritus, blistering, desquamation, and peeling that may be more severe in the groin, axillae, skin folds, in the neck area, and under dressings. Instruct patients to shower or bathe with water at least twice daily through 48 hours after administration of TEPYLUTE. Change the occlusive dressing and clean the covered skin at least twice daily through 48 hours after administration of TEPYLUTE. Change bed sheets daily during treatment. Skin reactions associated with accidental exposure to TEPYLUTE may occur. Wash the skin thoroughly with soap and water in case the TEPYLUTE solution contacts the skin. Flush mucous membranes in case of TEPYLUTE contact with mucous membranes. Concomitant Use of Live and Attenuated Vaccines: Do not administer live or attenuated viral or bacterial vaccines to a patient treated with TEPYLUTE until the immunosuppressive effects have resolved. Hepatic Veno-Occlusive Disease: Monitor by physical examination, serum transaminases, and bilirubin, and provide supportive care to patients who develop hepatic veno-occlusive disease. Central Nervous System Toxicity: Fatal encephalopathy has occurred in patients treated with high doses of thiotepa. Other central nervous system toxicities, such as headache, apathy, psychomotor retardation, disorientation, confusion, amnesia, hallucinations, drowsiness, somnolence, seizures, coma, inappropriate behavior, and forgetfulness have been reported to occur in a dose-dependent manner during or shortly after administration of high-dose thiotepa. Do not exceed the recommended dose of TEPYLUTE. If severe or life-threatening central nervous system toxicity occurs, discontinue administration of TEPYLUTE and provide supportive care. Carcinogenicity: Like many alkylating agents, thiotepa has been reported to be carcinogenic when administered to laboratory animals. Carcinogenicity is shown most clearly in studies using mice, but there is some evidence of carcinogenicity in man. There is an increased risk of secondary malignancy with the use of TEPYLUTE. Inform patients that TEPYLUTE can increase the risk of secondary malignancy. Polyethylene glycol (PEG) 400 toxicity : TEPYLUTE contains a high concentration of PEG 400. Based on findings in animals, administration of high amounts of PEG 400 may cause damage to the kidneys and liver at dosages higher than recommended. When prescribing TEPYLUTE, take into consideration the PEG 400 load from concomitant medications. Embryo-Fetal Toxicity: Based on the mechanism of action and findings in animals, TEPYLUTE can cause fetal harm when administered to a pregnant woman. There are no adequate and well-controlled studies of TEPYLUTE in pregnant women. Thiotepa given by the intraperitoneal (IP) route was teratogenic in mice at doses ≥1 mg/kg (3.2 mg/m 2 ), approximately 8-fold less than the maximum recommended human therapeutic dose (0.8 mg/kg, 27 mg/m 2 ), based on body-surface area. Thiotepa given by the IP route was teratogenic in rats at doses ≥3 mg/kg (21 mg/m 2 ), approximately equal to the maximum recommended human therapeutic dose, based on body-surface area. Thiotepa was lethal to rabbit fetuses at a dose of 3 mg/kg (41 mg/m 2 ), approximately two times the maximum recommended human therapeutic dose based on body-surface area. Advise pregnant women and females of reproductive potential of the potential risk to the fetus. Advise females of reproductive potential to use highly effective contraception during TEPYLUTE treatment and for 6 months after therapy/the last dose. Advise females of reproductive potential to inform their healthcare provider if they are pregnant or become pregnant. Advise males with female partners of reproductive potential to use effective contraception during TEPYLUTE treatment and for 1 year after therapy/the last dose. ADVERSE REACTIONS The most common adverse reactions (incidence greater than 10%) are neutropenia, anemia, thrombocytopenia, elevated alanine aminotransferase, elevated aspartate aminotransferase (AST), elevated bilirubin, mucositis, cytomegalovirus infection, hemorrhage, diarrhea, hematuria, and rash. The clinically significant adverse reactions include myelosuppression, infection, hypersensitivity, cutaneous toxicity, hepatic veno-occlusive disease, central nervous system toxicity, and carcinogenicity. DRUG INTERACTIONS Effect of Cytochrome CYP3A Inhibitors and Inducers: In vitro studies suggest that thiotepa is metabolized by CYP3A4 and CYP2B6 to its active metabolite triethylene phosphoramide (TEPA). Avoid coadministration of strong CYP3A4 inhibitors (e.g., itraconazole, clarithromycin, ritonavir) and strong CYP3A4 inducers (e.g., rifampin, phenytoin) with thiotepa due to the potential effects on efficacy and toxicity. Consider alternative medications with no or minimal potential to inhibit or induce CYP3A4. If concomitant use of strong CYP3A4 modulators cannot be avoided, closely monitor for adverse drug reactions. Effect of TEPYLUTE on Cytochrome CYP2B6 Substrates: In vitro studies suggest that thiotepa inhibits CYP2B6. Thiotepa may increase the exposure of drugs that are substrates of CYP2B6 in patients; however, the clinical relevance of this in vitro interaction is unknown. The administration of thiotepa with cyclophosphamide in patients reduces the conversion of cyclophosphamide to the active metabolite, 4‑hydroxycyclophosphamide; the effect appears sequence-dependent with a greater reduction in the conversion to 4-hydroxycyclophosphamide when thiotepa is administered 1.5 hours before the intravenous administration of cyclophosphamide compared to administration of thiotepa after intravenous cyclophosphamide. The reduction in 4-hydroxycyclophosphamide levels may potentially reduce the efficacy of cyclophosphamide treatment. USE IN SPECIFIC POPULATIONS Pregnancy: TEPYLUTE can cause fetal harm when administered to a pregnant woman based on findings from animals and the drug’s mechanism of action. Limited available data on thiotepa use in pregnant women are insufficient to inform a drug-associated risk of major birth defects and miscarriage. In animal reproduction studies, administration of thiotepa to pregnant mice and rats during organogenesis produced teratogenic effects (neural tube defects and malformations of the skeletal system of the fetus) at doses approximately 0.125 and 1 times, respectively, the maximum recommended human daily dose on a mg/m2 basis. Thiotepa was lethal to rabbit fetuses at approximately 2 times the maximum recommended human therapeutic dose based on body-surface area. Consider the benefits and risks of TEPYLUTE for the mother and possible risks to the fetus when prescribing TEPYLUTE to a pregnant woman. Lactation: There is no information regarding the presence of thiotepa in human milk, the effects on the breastfed infant, or the effects on milk production. Because of the potential for serious adverse reactions, including the potential for tumorigenicity shown for thiotepa in animal studies, advise patients not to breastfeed during TEPYLUTE treatment and for 1 week after therapy/the last dose. Females and Males of Reproductive Potential: TEPYLUTE can cause fetal harm when administered to a pregnant woman. Pregnancy Testing - Verify the pregnancy status of females of reproductive potential before initiating TEPYLUTE therapy. Contraception for Females - Advise females of reproductive potential to avoid pregnancy during TEPYLUTE treatment and for 6 months after therapy/the last dose. Advise females to immediately report pregnancy. Contraception for Males - TEPYLUTE may damage spermatozoa and testicular tissue, resulting in possible genetic abnormalities. Males with female sexual partners of reproductive potential should use effective contraception during TEPYLUTE treatment and for 1 year after therapy/the last dose. Infertility - Based on nonclinical findings, male and female fertility may be compromised by treatment with TEPYLUTE. Advise patients that TEPYLUTE can produce infertility. Inform male patients about the possibility of sperm conservation before the start of therapy. Pediatric Use: Safety and effectiveness of TEPYLUTE in neonates have not been established. Safety and effectiveness of TEPYLUTE for the treatment of adenocarcinoma of the breast and adenocarcinoma of the ovary in pediatric patients have not been established. Geriatric Use: Clinical studies of thiotepa for treatment of adenocarcinoma of the breast and adenocarcinoma of the ovary did not include sufficient numbers of subjects aged 65 years and over to determine whether elderly subjects respond differently from younger subjects, and other reported clinical experience has not identified differences in responses between the elderly and younger patients. In general, dose selection for an elderly patient should be cautious, usually starting at the low end of the dosing range, reflecting the greater frequency of decreasing hepatic, renal, or cardiac function, and of concomitant disease or other drug therapy. Renal Impairment: In patients with moderate (creatinine clearance [CLcr] of 30 mL/min to 59 mL/min) renal impairment, decreased renal excretion may result in increased plasma levels of thiotepa and TEPA. This may result in increased toxicity. Monitor patients with moderate to severe (CLcr <30 mL/min) renal impairment for signs and symptoms of toxicity following treatment with TEPYLUTE for an extended period of time. Hepatic Impairment: Thiotepa is extensively metabolized in the liver. Patients with moderate (bilirubin levels greater than 1.5 times to 3 times the upper limit of normal and any AST) hepatic impairment may have increased plasma levels of thiotepa. This may result in toxicity. Monitor patients with moderate to severe (bilirubin levels greater than 3 times the upper limit of normal and any AST) hepatic impairment for signs and symptoms of toxicity following treatment with TEPYLUTE for an extended period of time. To report suspected adverse reactions, contact Shorla Oncology at 1-844-668-3940 or FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or www.fda.gov/medwatch. For Print: Please see the accompanying full Prescribing Information, including Boxed Warning. For Digital: Please click here for full Prescribing Information, including Boxed Warning. All trademarks are the property of Shorla Oncology. ©SHORLA ONCOLOGY® 2025. PRO-TEP-1377-v1 04/2025

Based on the Phase 3 CheckMate-9DW trial, Opdivo plus Yervoy demonstrated a statistically significant overall survival benefit compared to investigator’s choice of lenvatinib or sorafenib 1 In the trial, 38% of patients were still alive at 3 years with this dual immunotherapy vs. 24% with the comparator arm 1 PRINCETON, N.J.--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- $BMY #BMS -- Bristol Myers Squibb (NYSE: BMY) today announced that the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved Opdivo ® (nivolumab) plus Yervoy ® (ipilimumab) as a first-line treatment for adult patients with unresectable or metastatic hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), the most common primary liver cancer. 1,2 This approval is based on the results from the global Phase 3 randomized, open-label CheckMate-9DW trial evaluating the combination of Opdivo plus Yervoy compared to investigator’s choice of tyrosine kinase inhibitor monotherapy (lenvatinib or sorafenib) in patients with unresectable or metastatic HCC who have not received prior systemic therapy. 1 In the trial, Opdivo plus Yervoy demonstrated statistically significant overall survival (OS) and overall response rate (ORR) vs the comparator arm. 1 It is the only trial supporting an FDA approval to show superior results against this comparator arm. 1 “The CheckMate-9DW approval is an important advancement for patients, considering the incidence of liver cancer has tripled in the last four decades, yet prognosis for HCC patients remains poor,” said Aiwu Ruth He, MD, PhD, a CheckMate-9DW study investigator while at MedStar Georgetown University Hospital. 3,4 “The availability of a new first-line treatment option that demonstrated a deep response can offer adults with this form of liver cancer long-term overall survival and may help address an unmet need. 1,5,6 Given the strength of evidence from the trial, especially considering the selection and performance of a strong comparator arm, I believe that Opdivo plus Yervoy has the potential to become a standard of care for the first-line treatment of patients with unresectable or metastatic HCC.” 1 In the CheckMate-9DW trial, in which 85% of patients in the comparator arm were treated with lenvatinib and 15% were treated with sorafenib, mOS with Opdivo plus Yervoy (n=335) was 23.7 months (95% CI: 18.8-29.4) vs. 20.6 months (95% CI: 17.5-22.5) with lenvatinib or sorafenib (n=333; HR=0.79; 95% CI: 0.65-0.96 P =0.0180), reducing the risk of death by 21%. 1 Opdivo plus Yervoy showed an OS rate of 38% at three years vs. 24% with lenvatinib or sorafenib monotherapy. 1 The trial also showed a deeper response with Opdivo plus Yervoy, demonstrating an ORR of 36.1% (95% CI: 31-41.5) compared to 13.2% (95% CI: 9.8-17.3; P 20% of patients treated with Opdivo plus Yervoy were rash, pruritus, fatigue, and diarrhea. Fatal adverse reactions occurred in 12 (3.6%) patients who received Opdivo plus Yervoy ; these included 4 (1.2%) patients who died due to immune-mediated or autoimmune hepatitis and 4 (1.2%) patients who died of hepatic failure. 1 Permanent discontinuation due to an adverse reaction occurred in 27% of patients treated with Opdivo in combination with Yervoy . Adverse reactions leading to permanent discontinuation in >1% of patients included immune-mediated hepatitis (1.8%), diarrhea/colitis (1.8%), and hepatic failure (1.2%). 1 About Hepatocellular Carcinoma Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a type of primary liver cancer and is the most common form of liver cancer in adults. 2 Liver cancer is the sixth leading cause of cancer deaths in the United States. 8 HCC is often diagnosed at an advanced stage and is usually associated with poor prognosis with limited effective treatment options. 5,9,10 About 42,240 people in the United Stated will be diagnosed and about 30,090 people will die of liver cancer in 2025. 3 The incidence rates of liver cancer have tripled in the U.S. since 1980 and deaths have doubled since then. 3 HCC typically develops in patients with hepatitis virus infection or cirrhosis. 11 While most cases of HCC are caused by hepatitis B virus or hepatitis C virus infections, metabolic syndrome and metabolic dysfunction-associated steatohepatitis are rising in prevalence and expected to contribute to increased rates of HCC. 11 INDICATIONS OPDIVO ® (nivolumab), in combination with YERVOY ® (ipilimumab), is indicated for the first-line treatment of adult patients with unresectable or metastatic hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). OPDIVO ® (nivolumab), in combination with YERVOY ® (ipilimumab), is indicated for the treatment of adult patients with unresectable or metastatic hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) who have been previously treated with sorafenib. IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION Severe and Fatal Immune-Mediated Adverse Reactions Immune-mediated adverse reactions listed herein may not include all possible severe and fatal immune- mediated adverse reactions. Immune-mediated adverse reactions, which may be severe or fatal, can occur in any organ system or tissue. While immune-mediated adverse reactions usually manifest during treatment, they can also occur after discontinuation of OPDIVO or YERVOY. Early identification and management are essential to ensure safe use of OPDIVO or YERVOY and YERVOY. Monitor for signs and symptoms that may be clinical manifestations of underlying immune-mediated adverse reactions. Evaluate clinical chemistries including liver enzymes, creatinine, adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) level, and thyroid function at baseline and periodically during treatment with OPDIVO and before each dose of YERVOY. In cases of suspected immune-mediated adverse reactions, initiate appropriate workup to exclude alternative etiologies, including infection. Institute medical management promptly, including specialty consultation as appropriate. Withhold or permanently discontinue OPDIVO and YERVOY depending on severity (please see section 2 Dosage and Administration in the accompanying Full Prescribing Information). In general, if OPDIVO and YERVOY or YERVOY interruption or discontinuation is required, administer systemic corticosteroid therapy (1 to 2 mg/kg/day prednisone or equivalent) until improvement to Grade 1 or less. Upon improvement to Grade 1 or less, initiate corticosteroid taper and continue to taper over at least 1 month. Consider administration of other systemic immunosuppressants in patients whose immune-mediated adverse reactions are not controlled with corticosteroid therapy. Toxicity management guidelines for adverse reactions that do not necessarily require systemic steroids (e.g., endocrinopathies and dermatologic reactions) are discussed below. Immune-Mediated Pneumonitis OPDIVO and YERVOY can cause immune-mediated pneumonitis. The incidence of pneumonitis is higher in patients who have received prior thoracic radiation. In patients receiving OPDIVO 1 mg/kg with YERVOY 3 mg/kg every 3 weeks, immune-mediated pneumonitis occurred in 7% (31/456) of patients, including Grade 4 (0.2%), Grade 3 (2.0%), and Grade 2 (4.4%). In patients receiving OPDIVO 1 mg/kg with YERVOY 3 mg/kg every 3 weeks, immune-mediated pneumonitis occurred in 7% (31/456) of patients, including Grade 4 (0.2%), Grade 3 (2.0%), and Grade 2 (4.4%). Immune-Mediated Colitis OPDIVO and YERVOY can cause immune-mediated colitis, which may be fatal. A common symptom included in the definition of colitis was diarrhea. Cytomegalovirus (CMV) infection/reactivation has been reported in patients with corticosteroid-refractory immune-mediated colitis. In cases of corticosteroid-refractory colitis, consider repeating infectious workup to exclude alternative etiologies. In patients receiving OPDIVO 1 mg/kg with YERVOY 3 mg/kg every 3 weeks, immune-mediated colitis occurred in 25% (115/456) of patients, including Grade 4 (0.4%), Grade 3 (14%) and Grade 2 (8%). Immune-Mediated Hepatitis and Hepatotoxicity OPDIVO and YERVOY can cause immune-mediated hepatitis. In patients receiving OPDIVO 1 mg/kg with YERVOY 3 mg/kg every 3 weeks, immune-mediated hepatitis occurred in 15% (70/456) of patients, including Grade 4 (2.4%), Grade 3 (11%), and Grade 2 (1.8%). Immune-Mediated Endocrinopathies OPDIVO and YERVOY can cause primary or secondary adrenal insufficiency, immune-mediated hypophysitis, immune-mediated thyroid disorders, and Type 1 diabetes mellitus, which can present with diabetic ketoacidosis. Withhold OPDIVO and YERVOY depending on severity (please see section 2 Dosage and Administration in the accompanying Full Prescribing Information). For Grade 2 or higher adrenal insufficiency, initiate symptomatic treatment, including hormone replacement as clinically indicated. Hypophysitis can present with acute symptoms associated with mass effect such as headache, photophobia, or visual field defects. Hypophysitis can cause hypopituitarism; initiate hormone replacement as clinically indicated. Thyroiditis can present with or without endocrinopathy. Hypothyroidism can follow hyperthyroidism; initiate hormone replacement or medical management as clinically indicated. Monitor patients for hyperglycemia or other signs and symptoms of diabetes; initiate treatment with insulin as clinically indicated. In patients receiving OPDIVO 1 mg/kg with YERVOY 3 mg/kg every 3 weeks, adrenal insufficiency occurred in 8% (35/456), including Grade 4 (0.2%), Grade 3 (2.4%), and Grade 2 (4.2%). In patients receiving OPDIVO 1 mg/kg with YERVOY 3 mg/kg every 3 weeks, hypophysitis occurred in 9% (42/456), including Grade 3 (2.4%) and Grade 2 (6%). In patients receiving OPDIVO 1 mg/kg with YERVOY 3 mg/kg every 3 weeks, hyperthyroidism occurred in 9% (42/456) of patients, including Grade 3 (0.9%) and Grade 2 (4.2%). In patients receiving OPDIVO 1 mg/kg with YERVOY 3 mg/kg every 3 weeks, hypothyroidism occurred in 20% (91/456) of patients, including Grade 3 (0.4%) and Grade 2 (11%). Immune-Mediated Nephritis with Renal Dysfunction OPDIVO and YERVOY can cause immune-mediated nephritis. Immune-Mediated Dermatologic Adverse Reactions OPDIVO can cause immune-mediated rash or dermatitis. Exfoliative dermatitis, including Stevens-Johnson syndrome (SJS), toxic epidermal necrolysis (TEN), and drug rash with eosinophilia and systemic symptoms (DRESS) has occurred with PD-1/PD-L1 blocking antibodies. Topical emollients and/or topical corticosteroids may be adequate to treat mild to moderate nonexfoliative rashes. YERVOY can cause immune-mediated rash or dermatitis, including bullous and exfoliative dermatitis, SJS, TEN, and DRESS. Topical emollients and/or topical corticosteroids may be adequate to treat mild to moderate non-bullous/exfoliative rashes. Withhold or permanently discontinue OPDIVO and YERVOY depending on severity (please see section 2 Dosage and Administration in the accompanying Full Prescribing Information). In patients receiving OPDIVO 1 mg/kg with YERVOY 3 mg/kg every 3 weeks, immune-mediated rash occurred in 28% (127/456) of patients, including Grade 3 (4.8%) and Grade 2 (10%). Other Immune-Mediated Adverse Reactions The following clinically significant immune-mediated adverse reactions occurred at an incidence of 20%) in patients receiving OPDIVO with YERVOY (n=332) were rash (36%), pruritus (34%), fatigue (33%), and diarrhea (25%). In CheckMate-040, the most common adverse reactions (≥20%) in patients receiving OPDIVO with YERVOY (n=49) were rash (53%), pruritus (53%), musculoskeletal pain (41%), diarrhea (39%), cough (37%), decreased appetite (35%), fatigue (27%), pyrexia (27%), abdominal pain (22%), headache (22%), nausea (20%), dizziness (20%), hypothyroidism (20%), and weight decreased (20%). Please see U.S. Full Prescribing Information for OPDIVO and YERVOY . Clinical Trials and Patient Populations CheckMate-9DW – hepatocellular carcinoma, in combination with YERVOY; CheckMate-040 – hepatocellular carcinoma, in combination with YERVOY, after prior treatment with sorafenib. Bristol Myers Squibb: Creating a Better Future for People with Cancer Bristol Myers Squibb is inspired by a single vision — transforming patients’ lives through science. The goal of the company’s cancer research is to deliver medicines that offer each patient a better, healthier life and to make cure a possibility. Building on a legacy across a broad range of cancers that have changed survival expectations for many, Bristol Myers Squibb researchers are exploring new frontiers in personalized medicine and, through innovative digital platforms, are turning data into insights that sharpen their focus. Contacts Bristol Myers Squibb Media Inquiries: media@bms.com Investors: investor.relations@bms.com Read full story here

After the death of a 16-year-old patient, Sarepta and Roche have temporarily paused three trials in Europe of their Duchenne muscular dystrophy gene therapy Elevidys. In response to a request from the European Medicines Agency (EMA) following the death of a 16-year-old patient in the U.S., Sarepta and Roche have temporarily halted three clinical trials in Europe of their Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) gene therapy Elevidys.In a March 31 letter (PDF) from Roche to the World Duchenne Organization, the Swiss drugmaker said that the companies are pausing enrollment and dosing in the studies while continuing to monitor already-enrolled participants and collect data.The paused trials include the Sarepta-sponsored phase 3 Envision study, which is evaluating Elevidys in boys aged 8 to 17; Roche’s phase 2 Envol study, which is investigating Elevidys in babies and newborns; and Sarepta’s Study 104, a phase 1 look at Elevidys in boys ages 4 to 9 with pre-existing antibodies to a particular serotype.The trials have been halted in all EU countries, and the Envol study has been paused in the U.K. The trials are on hold until “analysis into the cause of death is complete,” Roche wrote. Meanwhile, four other U.S.-based Elevidys studies remain ongoing.“While any clinical hold is concerning, we believe the EMA's request to pause the 3 Elevidys studies will likely be temporary and unlikely materially delay their completion timelines or the EMA review of Elevidys' marketing authorization application (MAA),” analysts from Mizuho Securities wrote in a note to investors.In an update on Friday, April 4, Sarepta said that an independent data monitoring committee (DMC) met and concluded that "based on the totality of evidence, the overall benefit-risk profile remains favorable to continue dosing in the paused clinical trials without changes to the study protocols."Sarepta and Roche plan to submit the DMC's findings to EU regulators "within a week" for review.  Two weeks ago, Sarepta disclosed the patient’s death, which was attributed to acute liver failure. Serious liver injury is a known safety risk of Elevidys.“We cannot rule out the possibility that Elevidys was a contributing factor,” a Sarepta spokesperson told Fierce Pharma last month.The incident brought increased attention to the safety of gene therapies that use adeno-associated viruses (AAVs) as vectors to deliver therapeutic genes. In Elevidys’ case, the administered gene produces microdystrophin, a shortened version of the normal dystrophin protein that’s missing in Duchenne patients.In 2022, Novartis recorded two deaths for its AAV-based, spinal muscular atrophy gene therapy Zolgensma.Although it is not a new safety signal, acute liver failure leading to death is a severity of the disorder not previously reported for Elevidys, which has been provided to more than 800 patients, Sarepta said. The company also reported that testing revealed the deceased patient had a recent cytomegalovirus infection that was identified by his treating physician as a possible contributing factor.Since the report of the patient death, Sarepta’s share price has dropped by 42%.“This is yet another unfortunate development for a story that cannot seem to catch a break,” Leerink wrote on Wednesday, adding that the weight of a 16-year-old patient likely means that he was provided a higher dose than the average Elevidys recipient.“We acknowledge that such severe side effects associated with mortality can certainly be alarming and cause the community to question the risk/benefit of treating older patients. However, we believe that the very low overall incidence is encouraging,” Leerink wrote, adding that its projection of the likelihood of an EU approval remains unchanged at 60%. Elevidys was approved on an accelerated basis in the U.S. in June of 2023 for boys ages 4 and 5. In June of last year, the FDA expanded its label to include all DMD patients aged 4 and up.Both FDA nods stirred controversy, as neither was based on a trial that met its primary endpoint. During development of the treatment, trials were halted in 2018 and 2021 because of safety concerns. Also drawing ire was the $3.2 million price tag for the one-time treatment.Still, sales have scaled up quickly, indicating the unmet need in the indication. In the fourth quarter, Sarepta reported revenue of $383 million from Elevidys, which was a 110% increase from the previous quarter. Leerink Partners projects Elevidys sales to reach $2 billion this year.Editor's note: This story was updated at 9 a.m. EDT on Friday, April 4, to include the latest information from Sarepta.