Veltuzumab

Nearly 90% of first-line Kesimpta patients had no disability progression independent of relapse activity (PIRA) for up to six years in an analysis of open-label ALITHIOS extension study1 More than 80% of patients receiving first-line Kesimpta were progression-free for up to six years, reinforcing the value of introducing Kesimpta early1 Patients switching to Kesimpta from IV anti-CD20 therapy showed no new active lesions (Gd+ T1) 12 months after switch in separate US single-arm, open-label, Phase IIIb OLIKOS study2 Basel, September 18, 2024 – Novartis today announced new data from the ALITHIOS open-label extension study. Data show first-line Kesimpta® (ofatumumab) treatment for up to six years led to less disability and disease progression in recently diagnosed (≤3 years) and treatment-naïve (RDTN) people with relapsing multiple sclerosis (RMS), compared to those who switched from teriflunomide1. A separate US-based single-arm OLIKOS Phase IIIb study showed that at 12 months, all clinically stable RMS patients who switched from intravenous (IV) anti-CD20 therapy to Kesimpta showed no new gadolinium-enhancing (Gd+) T1 lesions, a commonly used marker of disease activity, compared to baseline2. These data will be presented at the European Committee for Treatment and Research in Multiple Sclerosis (ECTRIMS) 2024 Annual Meeting in Copenhagen, Denmark on September 18-20. “We continue to study the efficacy and safety of Kesimpta in different populations of people living with relapsing multiple sclerosis as part of our mission to advance care,” said Norman Putzki, M.D., Ph.D., Global Development Unit Head, Neuroscience & Gene Therapy, Novartis International AG. “Novartis is committed to understanding and solving some of the most burdensome neurological conditions to improve the quality of life for patients and their caregivers, and to make a positive impact on society.” Kesimpta benefits in first-line patients Data from the overall ALITHIOS study population showed that continuous use of Kesimpta was associated with numerically fewer 6-month confirmed disability worsening (6mCDW) and progression independent of relapse activity (6mPIRA) events up to six years compared to those who switched from teriflunomide1. These benefits appeared more pronounced in the RDTN subgroup, defined as starting treatment within three years of diagnosis1. RDTN patients receiving continuous Kesimpta were more likely to remain free from 6mCDW compared to those who switched to Kesimpta from teriflunomide (83.4% vs. 76.3%)1. RDTN patients receiving continuous Kesimpta were also more likely to be free of 6mPIRA vs. switching from teriflunomide (88.9% vs. 83.3%)1. “These data showed that people recently diagnosed with relapsing multiple sclerosis who received first-line Kesimpta had fewer disability worsening events and greater likelihood of being progression-free,” said lead investigator Amit Bar-Or, M.D., Director of the Center for Neuroinflammation and Neurotherapeutics at the University of Pennsylvania. “The reduction of disability accumulation observed early in the disease course supports earlier adoption of Kesimpta.” Limitations of the results include a potential for attrition bias and the open-label nature of the extension study1. No new T1 lesions in patients who switched from IV therapy to KesimptaThe US-based OLIKOS study analyzed 102 clinically stable RMS patients who switched from previous IV anti-CD20 therapy (99% from ocrelizumab) to Kesimpta2. For 84 patients with MRI results, no new Gd+ T1 lesions were observed at 12 months, the study’s primary endpoint. Additionally, 98% of patients did not develop new/enlarging T2 (NeT2) lesions at 12 months, an exploratory endpoint in the study2. Treatment-emergent adverse events (TEAEs) occurred at a similar frequency as in the core Phase III ASCLEPIOS clinical trials, with no new safety signals identified2. The most commonly reported (≥10%) TEAEs were COVID-19, headache, fatigue, and urinary tract infection. Mean serum immunoglobulin G (IgG) and IgM levels remained stable up to 12 months2. About Multiple SclerosisMultiple sclerosis (MS) is a chronic inflammatory disease of the central nervous system characterized by myelin destruction and axonal damage in the brain, optic nerves and spinal cord3. MS, which affects nearly 3 million people worldwide4, can be characterized into four main types: clinically isolated syndrome (CIS), relapsing-remitting (RRMS), secondary progressive (SPMS) and primary progressive (PPMS)5. The various forms of MS can be distinguished based on whether a patient experiences relapses (clearly defined acute inflammatory attacks of worsening neurological function), and/or whether they experience progression of neurologic damage and disability from the onset of the disease3. About Kesimpta® (ofatumumab)Kesimpta is a targeted, precisely dosed and delivered B-cell therapy that provides the flexibility of self-administration for adults with relapsing forms of multiple sclerosis (RMS). It is an anti-CD20 monoclonal antibody (mAb) self-administered by a once-monthly injection, delivered subcutaneously6-9. Initial doses of Kesimpta are at Weeks 0, 1 and 2, with the first injection performed under the guidance of a healthcare professional6,7. The selective mechanism of action and subcutaneous administration of Kesimpta allows precise delivery to the lymph nodes, where B-cell depletion in MS is needed, and preclinical studies have shown that it may preserve the B-cells in the spleen10. Ofatumumab was originally developed by Genmab and licensed to GlaxoSmithKline. Novartis obtained rights for ofatumumab from GlaxoSmithKline in all indications, including RMS, in December 201511. Kesimpta has been approved for the treatment of relapsing forms of multiple sclerosis in over 90 countries worldwide with more than 100,000 patients treated as of August 20246,7,12. Novartis in NeuroscienceAt Novartis, we have been tackling neurological conditions for more than 80 years, launching transformative treatments which have made meaningful differences to millions of people worldwide now and in the future. We continue to collaborate on industry-leading treatments in multiple sclerosis, pediatric neurology, neurodegeneration and neuroinflammation and psychiatry. DisclaimerThis media update contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of the United States Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Forward-looking statements can generally be identified by words such as “potential,” “can,” “will,” “plan,” “may,” “could,” “would,” “expect,” “anticipate,” “look forward,” “believe,” “committed,” “investigational,” “pipeline,” “launch,” or similar terms, or by express or implied discussions regarding potential marketing approvals, new indications or labeling for the investigational or approved products described in this media update, or regarding potential future revenues from such products. You should not place undue reliance on these statements. Such forward-looking statements are based on our current beliefs and expectations regarding future events, and are subject to significant known and unknown risks and uncertainties. Should one or more of these risks or uncertainties materialize, or should underlying assumptions prove incorrect, actual results may vary materially from those set forth in the forward-looking statements. There can be no guarantee that the investigational or approved products described in this media update will be submitted or approved for sale or for any additional indications or labeling in any market, or at any particular time. Nor can there be any guarantee that such products will be commercially successful in the future. In particular, our expectations regarding such products could be affected by, among other things, the uncertainties inherent in research and development, including clinical trial results and additional analysis of existing clinical data; regulatory actions or delays or government regulation generally; global trends toward health care cost containment, including government, payor and general public pricing and reimbursement pressures and requirements for increased pricing transparency; our ability to obtain or maintain proprietary intellectual property protection; the particular prescribing preferences of physicians and patients; general political, economic and business conditions, including the effects of and efforts to mitigate pandemic diseases; safety, quality, data integrity or manufacturing issues; potential or actual data security and data privacy breaches, or disruptions of our information technology systems, and other risks and factors referred to in Novartis AG’s current Form 20-F on file with the US Securities and Exchange Commission. Novartis is providing the information in this media update as of this date and does not undertake any obligation to update any forward-looking statements contained in this media update as a result of new information, future events or otherwise. About NovartisNovartis is an innovative medicines company. Every day, we work to reimagine medicine to improve and extend people’s lives so that patients, healthcare professionals and societies are empowered in the face of serious disease. Our medicines reach more than 250 million people worldwide. Reimagine medicine with us: Visit us at https://www.novartis.com and connect with us on LinkedIn, Facebook, X/Twitter and Instagram. References Bar-Or A, Hauser SL, Cohen JA, et al. Early Initiation of Ofatumumab Delays Disability Progression in People With Relapsing Multiple Sclerosis: 6-Year Results From ALITHIOS Open-Label Extension Study. Poster presentation at the European Committee for Treatment and Research in Multiple Sclerosis (ECTRIMS) 2024 Annual Meeting; September 18–20, 2024; Copenhagen, Denmark. Hua LH, Brown B, Camacho E, et al. Efficacy and Safety in Patients With Relapsing Multiple Sclerosis Who Switched to Subcutaneous Ofatumumab From Intravenous Anti-CD20 Therapies: Results From the OLIKOS Study. Poster presentation at the European Committee for Treatment and Research in Multiple Sclerosis (ECTRIMS) 2024 Annual Meeting; September 18–20, 2024; Copenhagen, Denmark. Guthrie E. Multiple sclerosis: A primer and update. Adv Studies Pharm. 2007;4(11):313-317. Portaccio E, Magyari M, Kubala Havrdova E, et al. Multiple sclerosis: emerging epidemiological trends and redefining the clinical course. Lancet Reg. Health Eur. 2024;44:100977. National Multiple Sclerosis Society. Types of MS. Available from: https://www.nationalmssociety.org/What-is-MS/Types-of-MS Accessed September 10, 2024 Kesimpta. Prescribing Information. Novartis Pharmaceuticals Corporation East Hanover. 2024. https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/drugsatfda_docs/label/2024/125326s079lbl… Accessed September 11, 2024. Kesimpta. Summary of Product Characteristics. Novartis Ireland Limited. 2023. https://www.ema.europa.eu/en/documents/product-information/kesimpta-epar-product-information_en.pdf Accessed June 23, 2024. Hauser SL, Kappos L, Bar-Or A, et al. The Development of Ofatumumab, a Fully Human Anti-CD20 Monoclonal Antibody for Practical Use in Relapsing Multiple Sclerosis Treatment. Neurol Ther. 2023;12(5):1491-1515. Bar-Or A, Fox E, Goodyear A, et al. Onset of B-cell depletion with subcutaneous administration of ofatumumab in relapsing multiple sclerosis: results from the APLIOS bioequivalence study. Poster presentation at Americas Committee for Treatment and Research in Multiple Sclerosis (ACTRIMS) Annual Forum; February 27–29, 2020; West Palm Beach, FL, US. Smith P, Huck C, Wegert V, et al. Low-dose, subcutaneous anti-CD20 therapy effectively depletes B-cells and ameliorates CNS autoimmunity. Poster presentation at: the European Committee for Treatment and Research in Multiple Sclerosis (ECTRIMS) Annual Meeting 2016; September 14–17, 2016; London, UK. Genmab. Press Release: Genmab announces completion of agreement to transfer remaining ofatumumab rights. December 21, 2015. Available from: https://ir.genmab.com/static-files/9d491b72-bb0b-4e46-a792-dee6c29aaf7d Accessed September 10, 2024. Novartis. Data on file. 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SHANGHAI, Aug. 27, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- JW Therapeutics (HKEx: 2126), an independent and innovative biotechnology company focusing on developing, manufacturing and commercializing cell immunotherapy products, announced that the National Medical Products Administration (NMPA) of China has approved the supplemental Biological License Application (sBLA) for its anti-CD19 autologous chimeric antigen receptor T (CAR-T) cell immunotherapy product Carteyva® (relmacabtagene autoleucel injection) for the treatment of adult patients with relapsed or refractory Mantle Cell Lymphoma (r/r MCL). This is the third marketing approval on Carteyva® submitted by JW Therapeutics, and is the first cell therapy product approved in China for the treatment of patients with r/r MCL. Carteyva® was granted, by NMPA, Breakthrough Therapy Designation in Mar 2022, as well as Priority Review in Dec 2023. MCL is a heterogeneous B cell non-Hodgkin lymphoma which is currently incurable with existing therapies[1]. MCL, associated with a poor prognosis, mainly occurs in elderly men who were not diagnosed until advanced stage[2]. Significant progress has been made in the last decade as the treatment paradigm has shifted from traditional chemoimmunotherapy toward targeted therapies such as bruton tyrosine kinase inhibitors (BTKi). Despite the use of BTKi in r/r MCL has improved their survival outcomes, many patients will ultimately relapse with shortened remission durations (6~10 months) [3]. Notwithstanding the above, there are still unmet medical needs for a safe, effective novel approach to overcome the limitations of current treatments of r/r MCL. The sBLA was supported by the clinical results from a single-arm, multi-center, pivotal study on Carteyva® in adult patients with r/r MCL in China. In the study, patients with r/r MCL who had been treated with a CD20-targeting antibody, anthracycline or bendamustine, or BTKis were included. After being treated with lymphodepleting chemotherapy, patients received Carteyva® (100×106 CAR+ T cells). As of August 7th, 2023, a total of 59 patients received Carteyva® infusion. Of 59 efficacy evaluable patients, Carteyva® demonstrated remarkable clinical responses achieving high rates of objective response rate (ORR) and complete response rate (CRR) (best ORR 81.36%, best CRR 67.80%) and the incidence of severe (grade ≥ 3) cytokine release syndrome (CRS) was 6.8%, the incidence of severe (grade ≥ 3) neurotoxicity (NT) was 6.8%. Sophia Yang, Senior Vice President and Head of Regulatory, Research & Development of JW Therapeutics, noted: "We are delighted to have a product that can deliver meaningful efficacy in this disease, nearly 70% of patients with r/r MCL have achieved complete remission after treatment with Carteyva®, and the overall safety data demonstrated that the treatment was generally well-tolerated. Carteyva® becomes the first commercial CAR-T cell product for the treatment of r/r MCL in China." References The consensus of the diagnosis and treatment of mantle cell lymphoma in China (2016 version). Chin J Hematol.2016, 37(9):735-741. Herrmann A, Hoster E, Zwingers T, et al. Improvement of Overall Survival in Advanced Stage Mantle Cell Lymphoma[J]. Journal of Clinical Oncology, 2009, 27(4):511-518. Burkart M, Karmali R. Relapsed/Refractory Mantle Cell Lymphoma: Beyond BTK Inhibitors. J Pers Med. 2022 Mar 1;12(3):376. About Relmacabtagene Autoleucel Injection Relmacabtagene autoleucel injection (abbreviated as relma-cel, trade name for oncology indications: Carteyva®) is an autologous anti-CD19 CAR-T cell immunotherapy product independently developed by JW Therapeutics based on a CAR-T cell process platform of Juno Therapeutics (a Bristol Myers Squibb company). Being the first product of JW Therapeutics, Carteyva® has been approved by the China National Medical Products Administration (NMPA) for three indications, including the treatment of adult patients with relapsed or refractory large B-cell lymphoma (r/r LBLC) after two or more lines of systemic therapy, the treatment of adult patients with follicular lymphoma that is refractory or that relapses within 24 months of second-line or above systemic treatment (r/r FL), and the treatment of adult patients with relapsed or refractory mantle cell lymphoma ("r/r MCL") after two or more lines of systemic therapy including bruton tyrosine kinase inhibitors ("BTKi"), making it the first CAR-T product approved as a Category 1 biologics product in China. Currently, it is the only CAR-T product in China that has been simultaneously included in the National Significant New Drug Development Program, priority review and breakthrough therapy designations. About JW Therapeutics JW Therapeutics (HKEx:2126) is an independent and innovative biotechnology company focusing on developing, manufacturing and commercializing cell immunotherapy products. Since its founding in 2016, JW Therapeutics has built an integrated platform for product development in cell immunotherapy, as well as a product pipeline covering hematologic malignancies, solid tumors and autoimmune diseases. JW Therapeutics is committed to bringing breakthrough and quality cell immunotherapy products and the hope of a cure to patients in China and beyond, and to leading the healthy and standardized development of China's cell immunotherapy industry. For more information, please visit . Forward-Looking Statements The forward-looking statements are based on the management's expectations and beliefs and are subject to a number of risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those described. Significant risks and uncertainties, include those discussed below and more fully described in Hong Kong Exchanges and Clearing Limited (HKEx) reports filed by the Company. Unless otherwise noted, the Company is providing this information as of the date it publicized, and expressly disclaims any duty to update information contained in the issues and relevant information, or provide any explanation. For detailed information, please visit the company website: . SOURCE JW Therapeutics