Initial Phase 1b study results show clinical activity with immune-based triplet therapy regimen
NEW ORLEANS, Dec. 10, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- The Janssen Pharmaceutical Companies of Johnson & Johnson announced today new results from a cohort of the Phase 1b MajesTEC-2 study of TECVAYLI™ (teclistamab-cqyv), a first-in-class, BCMAxCD3 bispecific T-cell engager antibody, in combination with DARZALEX FASPRO® (daratumumab and hyaluronidase-fihj) and lenalidomide. According to the results, the immune-based triplet therapy regimen had a manageable safety profile with no unexpected safety signals observed. A very good partial response (VGPR) or better was achieved by 90.3 percent of patients with relapsed or refractory multiple myeloma who had received one to three prior lines of therapy, including a proteasome inhibitor and immunomodulatory drug, with responses deepening over time.1 These data were presented during the 2022 American Society of Hematology (ASH) Annual Meeting (Abstract #160). At a median follow-up of 8.4 months (range, 1.1 to 12.9), the overall response rate (ORR) was 93.5 percent.1 Among all patients in the trial, VGPRs or better were achieved by 90.3 percent of patients, and 54.8 percent of patients achieved a complete response (CR) or better.1 Median time to response was one month, and responses deepened.1 The median time to CR or better was three months (range, 1 to 10.4).1 At data cut-off, 80.6 percent of patients remained progression-free and on treatment.1 Responses deepened over time, and median duration of response had not been reached.1
"Following the recent regulatory approvals of TECVAYLI in the U.S. and EU, as well as its inclusion in the NCCN Clinical Practice Guidelines in Oncology as a recommended treatment option for certain patients with multiple myeloma, we are encouraged by its potential to improve outcomes in combination regimens and for earlier lines of treatment," said Sen Zhuang, M.D., Ph.D., Vice President, Clinical Research and Development, Janssen Research & Development, LLC. "We remain committed to addressing the unmet needs of patients with multiple myeloma through off-the-shelf immunotherapies like TECVAYLI and where we can bring together novel therapeutic approaches in the treatment of complex blood cancers." The primary objective of this cohort of the MajesTEC-2 study (NCT04722146) was to understand if the immunomodulatory effects of daratumumab and lenalidomide could enhance the function of TECVAYLI™, resulting in enhanced antimyeloma activity in a broader population of patients.1 The MajesTEC-7 study (NCT05552222) will examine the potential of this combination in patients newly diagnosed with multiple myeloma. The most frequent hematological adverse events (AEs) observed in the study included neutropenia (84.4 percent any grade, 78.1 percent grade 3/4) and thrombocytopenia (25 percent any grade, 15.6 percent grade 3/4).1 The most frequent non-hematological AE was cytokine release syndrome (CRS) (81.3 percent, all grade 1/2); 97 percent of CRS events occurred during cycle 1.1 Other common non-hematological AEs included fatigue (46.9 percent any grade, 6.3 percent grade 3/4); diarrhea (46.9 percent any grade, none grade 3/4); cough (40.6 percent any grade, 3.1 percent grade 3/4); COVID-19 (37.5 percent any grade, 12.5 percent grade 3/4); insomnia (37.5 percent any grade, 3.1 percent grade 3/4); hypophosphatemia (31.3 percent any grade, 6.3 percent grade 3/4); pyrexia (31.3 percent any grade, 3.1 percent grade 3/4); upper respiratory tract infection (31.3 percent any grade, none grade 3/4); increased alanine aminotransferase (ALT) (28.1 percent any grade, 9.4 percent grade 3/4) and pneumonia (25 percent any grade, 15.6 percent grade 3/4).1 Two patients discontinued therapy due to an AE (COVID-19), considered to be unrelated to the study by investigator assessment.1 Infections were common among patients in the study and the majority were low grade (90.6 percent any grade, 37.5 percent grade 3/4).1 New Data from the Phase 1/2 MajesTEC-1 Study Evaluating TECVAYLI™ New correlative analyses were also presented from the MajesTEC-1 study (NCT04557098). Data from these analyses may be used to help better understand baseline immune and tumor correlatives associated with outcomes in patients treated with TECVAYLI™.2 The data were presented during an oral abstract session (Abstract #97). Additional pharmacokinetic data evaluating potential drug interactions with TECVAYLI™ were presented during a separate poster session (Abstract #3228), as well as analyses of serum teclistamab-cqyv concentrations after intravenous and subcutaneous administration (Abstract #1911), to improve understanding of the clinical pharmacological profile of TECVAYLI™.3,4 About the MajesTEC-2 Study
In the presented study cohort, 32 patients received weekly doses of TECVAYLI™ (0.72 mg/kg or 1.5 mg/kg, with step-up dosing) plus the approved schedules of DARZALEX FASPRO® 1800 mg and lenalidomide 25 mg.1 Responses were investigator assessed using International Myeloma Working Group criteria, and AEs were assessed by Common Terminology Criteria for Adverse Events (CTCAE) v5.0, except for CRS and immune effector cell-associated neurotoxicity syndrome (ICANS), which were graded per American Society for Transplantation and Cellular Therapy (ASTCT) guidelines.1 DARZALEX FASPRO® (daratumumab and hyaluronidase-fihj) received U.S. FDA approval in May 2020 and is approved for eight indications in multiple myeloma (MM), three of which are for frontline treatment in newly diagnosed patients who are transplant eligible or ineligible.8 It is the only subcutaneous CD38-directed antibody approved to treat patients with MM. DARZALEX FASPRO® is co-formulated with recombinant human hyaluronidase PH20 (rHuPH20), Halozyme's ENHANZE® drug delivery technology. Multiple myeloma is an incurable blood cancer that affects a type of white blood cell called plasma cells, which are found in the bone marrow.9 In multiple myeloma, these plasma cells change, spread rapidly and replace normal cells in the bone marrow with tumors.10 In 2022, it is estimated that more than 34,000 people will be diagnosed with multiple myeloma, and more than 12,000 people will die from the disease in the U.S.11 While some people diagnosed with multiple myeloma initially have no symptoms, most patients are diagnosed due to symptoms that can include bone fracture or pain, low red blood cell counts, tiredness, high calcium levels, kidney problems or infections.12 TECVAYLI™ is available only through a restricted program called the TECVAYLI™ Risk Evaluation and Mitigation Strategy (REMS). Cytokine Release Syndrome: TECVAYLI™ can cause cytokine release syndrome (CRS), including life-threatening or fatal reactions. In the clinical trial, CRS occurred in 72% of patients who received TECVAYLI™ at the recommended dose, with Grade 1 CRS occurring in 50% of patients, Grade 2 in 21%, and Grade 3 in 0.6%. Recurrent CRS occurred in 33% of patients. Most patients experienced CRS following step-up dose 1 (42%), step-up dose 2 (35%), or the initial treatment dose (24%). Less than 3% of patients developed first occurrence of CRS following subsequent doses of TECVAYLI™. The median time to onset of CRS was 2 (range: 1 to 6) days after the most recent dose with a median duration of 2 (range: 1 to 9) days. Clinical signs and symptoms of CRS included, but were not limited to, fever, hypoxia, chills, hypotension, sinus tachycardia, headache, and elevated liver enzymes (aspartate aminotransferase and alanine aminotransferase elevation). Initiate therapy according to TECVAYLI™ step-up dosing schedule to reduce risk of CRS. Administer pretreatment medications to reduce risk of CRS and monitor patients following administration of TECVAYLI™ accordingly. At the first sign of CRS, immediately evaluate patient for hospitalization, manage per consensus guidelines, and administer supportive care based on severity; withhold or permanently discontinue TECVAYLI™ based on severity. TECVAYLI™ is available only through a restricted program under a REMS. Neurologic Toxicity including ICANS
In the clinical trial, ICANS was reported in 6% of patients who received TECVAYLI™ at the recommended dose [see Adverse Reactions (6.1)]. Recurrent ICANS occurred in 1.8% of patients. Most patients experienced ICANS following step-up dose 1 (1.2%), step-up dose 2 (0.6%), or the initial treatment dose (1.8%). Less than 3% of patients developed first occurrence of ICANS following subsequent doses of TECVAYLI™. The median time to onset of ICANS was 4 (range: 2 to 8) days after the most recent dose with a median duration of 3 (range: 1 to 20) days. The most frequent clinical manifestations of ICANS reported were confusional state and dysgraphia. The onset of ICANS can be concurrent with CRS, following resolution of CRS, or in the absence of CRS. Monitor patients for signs and symptoms of neurologic toxicity during treatment. At the first sign of neurologic toxicity, including ICANS, immediately evaluate patient and provide supportive therapy based on severity; withhold or permanently discontinue TECVAYLI™ based on severity and follow management recommendations. Due to the potential for neurologic toxicity, patients are at risk of depressed level of consciousness. Advise patients to refrain from driving or operating heavy or potentially dangerous machinery during and for 48 hours after completion of TECVAYLI™ step-up dosing schedule and in the event of new onset of any neurologic toxicity symptoms until neurologic toxicity resolves. TECVAYLI™ is available only through a restricted program under a REMS. : TECVAYLI™ is available only through a restricted program under a REMS called the TECVAYLI™ REMS because of the risks of CRS and neurologic toxicity, including ICANS. : TECVAYLI™ can cause hepatoxicity, including fatalities. In patients who received TECVAYLI™ at the recommended dose in the clinical trial, there was one fatal case of hepatic failure. Elevated aspartate aminotransferase (AST) occurred in 34% of patients, with Grade 3 or 4 elevations in 1.2%. Elevated alanine aminotransferase (ALT) occurred in 28% of patients, with Grade 3 or 4 elevations in 1.8%. Elevated total bilirubin occurred in 6% of patients with Grade 3 or 4 elevations in 0.6%. Liver enzyme elevation can occur with or without concurrent CRS. Monitor liver enzymes and bilirubin at baseline and during treatment as clinically indicated. Withhold TECVAYLI™ or consider permanent discontinuation of TECVAYLI™ based on severity. : TECVAYLI™ can cause severe, life-threatening, or fatal infections. In patients who received TECVAYLI™ at the recommended dose in the clinical trial, serious infections, including opportunistic infections, occurred in 30% of patients, with Grade 3 or 4 infections in 35%, and fatal infections in 4.2%. Monitor patients for signs and symptoms of infection prior to and during treatment with TECVAYLI™ and treat appropriately. Administer prophylactic antimicrobials according to guidelines. Withhold TECVAYLI™ or consider permanent discontinuation of TECVAYLI™ based on severity. Monitor immunoglobulin levels during treatment with TECVAYLI™ and treat according to guidelines, including infection precautions and antibiotic or antiviral prophylaxis. Monitor complete blood cell counts at baseline and periodically during treatment and provide supportive care per local institutional guidelines.
Withhold TECVAYLI™ based on severity [see Dosage and Administration (2.4)]. Hypersensitivity and Other Administration Reactions
: TECVAYLI™ can cause both systemic administration-related and local injection-site reactions. Systemic Reactions - In patients who received TECVAYLI™ at the recommended dose in the clinical trial, 1.2% of patients experienced systemic-administration reactions, which included Grade 1 recurrent pyrexia and Grade 1 swollen tongue. Local Reactions - In patients who received TECVAYLI™ at the recommended dose in the clinical trial, injection-site reactions occurred in 35% of patients with Grade 1 injection-site reactions in 30% and Grade 2 in 4.8%. Withhold TECVAYLI™ or consider permanent discontinuation of TECVAYLI™ based on severity. : Based on its mechanism of action, TECVAYLI™ may cause fetal harm when administered to a pregnant woman. Advise pregnant women of the potential risk to the fetus. Advise females of reproductive potential to use effective contraception during treatment with TECVAYLI™ and for 5 months after the last dose. Adverse Reactions: The most common adverse reactions (≥20%) were pyrexia, CRS, musculoskeletal pain, injection site reaction, fatigue, upper respiratory tract infection, nausea, headache, pneumonia, and diarrhea. The most common Grade 3 to 4 laboratory abnormalities (≥20%) were decreased lymphocytes, decreased neutrophils, decreased white blood cells, decreased hemoglobin and decreased platelets. Please read full Prescribing Information including Boxed Warning for TECVAYLI™. IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION
As monotherapy in patients who have received at least three prior lines of therapy including a proteasome inhibitor (PI) and an immunomodulatory agent or who are double-refractory to a PI and an immunomodulatory agent Hypersensitivity and Other Administration Reactions
Both systemic administration-related reactions, including severe or life-threatening reactions, and local injection-site reactions can occur with DARZALEX FASPRO®. Fatal reactions have been reported with daratumumab-containing products, including DARZALEX FASPRO®. In a pooled safety population of 898 patients with multiple myeloma (N=705) or light chain (AL) amyloidosis (N=193) who received DARZALEX FASPRO® as monotherapy or in combination, 9% of patients experienced a systemic administration-related reaction (Grade 2: 3.2%, Grade 3: 1%). Systemic administration-related reactions occurred in 8% of patients with the first injection, 0.3% with the second injection, and cumulatively 1% with subsequent injections. The median time to onset was 3.2 hours (range: 4 minutes to 3.5 days). Of the 140 systemic administration-related reactions that occurred in 77 patients, 121 (86%) occurred on the day of DARZALEX FASPRO® administration. Delayed systemic administration-related reactions have occurred in 1% of the patients. Severe reactions included hypoxia, dyspnea, hypertension and tachycardia. Other signs and symptoms of systemic administration-related reactions may include respiratory symptoms, such as bronchospasm, nasal congestion, cough, throat irritation, allergic rhinitis, and wheezing, as well as anaphylactic reaction, pyrexia, chest pain, pruritis, chills, vomiting, nausea, and hypotension. Pre-medicate patients with histamine-1 receptor antagonist, acetaminophen and corticosteroids. Monitor patients for systemic administration-related reactions, especially following the first and second injections. For anaphylactic reaction or life-threatening (Grade 4) administration-related reactions, immediately and permanently discontinue DARZALEX FASPRO®. Consider administering corticosteroids and other medications after the administration of DARZALEX FASPRO® depending on dosing regimen and medical history to minimize the risk of delayed (defined as occurring the day after administration) systemic administration-related reactions. Cardiac Toxicity in Patients with Light Chain (AL) Amyloidosis
Serious or fatal cardiac adverse reactions occurred in patients with light chain (AL) amyloidosis who received DARZALEX FASPRO® in combination with bortezomib, cyclophosphamide and dexamethasone. Serious cardiac disorders occurred in 16% and fatal cardiac disorders occurred in 10% of patients. Patients with NYHA Class IIIA or Mayo Stage IIIA disease may be at greater risk. Patients with NYHA Class IIIB or IV disease were not studied. Monitor patients with cardiac involvement of light chain (AL) amyloidosis more frequently for cardiac adverse reactions and administer supportive care as appropriate. Daratumumab may increase thrombocytopenia induced by background therapy. Monitor complete blood cell counts periodically during treatment according to manufacturer's prescribing information for background therapies. Consider withholding DARZALEX FASPRO® until recovery of platelets. Based on the mechanism of action, DARZALEX FASPRO® can cause fetal harm when administered to a pregnant woman. DARZALEX FASPRO® may cause depletion of fetal immune cells and decreased bone density. Advise pregnant women of the potential risk to a fetus. Advise females with reproductive potential to use effective contraception during treatment with DARZALEX FASPRO® and for 3 months after the last dose. Interference with Serological Testing
Daratumumab binds to CD38 on red blood cells (RBCs) and results in a positive Indirect Antiglobulin Test (Indirect Coombs test). Daratumumab-mediated positive indirect antiglobulin test may persist for up to 6 months after the last daratumumab administration. Daratumumab bound to RBCs masks detection of antibodies to minor antigens in the patient's serum. The determination of a patient's ABO and Rh blood type are not impacted. Notify blood transfusion centers of this interference with serological testing and inform blood banks that a patient has received DARZALEX FASPRO®. Type and screen patients prior to starting DARZALEX FASPRO®. Interference with Determination of Complete Response
The most common adverse reaction (≥20%) with DARZALEX FASPRO® monotherapy is upper respiratory tract infection. The most common adverse reactions with combination therapy (≥20% for any combination) include fatigue, nausea, diarrhea, dyspnea, insomnia, pyrexia, cough, muscle spasms, back pain, vomiting, upper respiratory tract infection, peripheral sensory neuropathy, constipation, pneumonia, and peripheral edema. †Dr. Searle has served as a consultant to Janssen; she has not been paid for any media work. Cautions Concerning Forward-Looking Statements
This press release contains "forward-looking statements" as defined in the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 regarding product development and the potential benefits and treatment impact of TECVAYLI™ (teclistamab). The reader is cautioned not to rely on these forward-looking statements. These statements are based on current expectations of future events. If underlying assumptions prove inaccurate or known or unknown risks or uncertainties materialize, actual results could vary materially from the expectations and projections of Janssen Research & Development, LLC, Janssen Biotech, Inc., any of the other Janssen Pharmaceutical Companies and/or Johnson & Johnson. Risks and uncertainties include, but are not limited to: challenges and uncertainties inherent in product research and development, including the uncertainty of clinical success and of obtaining regulatory approvals; uncertainty of commercial success; manufacturing difficulties and delays; competition, including technological advances, new products and patents attained by competitors; challenges to patents; product efficacy or safety concerns resulting in product recalls or regulatory action; changes in behavior and spending patterns of purchasers of health care products and services; changes to applicable laws and regulations, including global health care reforms; and trends toward health care cost containment. A further list and descriptions of these risks, uncertainties and other factors can be found in Johnson & Johnson's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended January 2, 2022, including in the sections captioned "Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements" and "Item 1A. Risk Factors," and in Johnson & Johnson's subsequent Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q and other filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Copies of these filings are available online at www.sec.gov, www.jnj.com or on request from Johnson & Johnson. None of the Janssen Pharmaceutical Companies nor Johnson & Johnson undertakes to update any forward-looking statement as a result of new information or future events or developments.