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Seattle Genetics Announces Data from Investigator-Sponsored Trials of ADCETRIS® (Brentuximab Vedotin) in Cutaneous T-Cell Lymphoma at ASH Annual Meeting
<p class='bwalignc'> <i>-Two Phase II Trials Demonstrate Greater than 65 Percent Objective Response Rate in Patients with Relapsed CTCL-</i> </p> <p class='bwalignc'> -<i> Phase III ALCANZA Trial Ongoing to Evaluate ADCETRIS in CTCL -</i> </p>
Monday, December 10, 2012
Seattle Genetics Announces Data from Investigator-Sponsored Trials of ADCETRIS® (Brentuximab Vedotin) in Cutaneous T-Cell Lymphoma at ASH Annual Meeting18:15 EST Monday, December 10, 2012
ATLANTA (Business Wire) -- Seattle Genetics, Inc. (Nasdaq: SGEN) today announced that results from
two ongoing investigator-sponsored phase II clinical trials of ADCETRIS
(brentuximab vedotin) in patients with relapsed cutaneous T-cell
lymphoma (CTCL) were presented at the 54th American Society
of Hematology (ASH) Annual Meeting and Exposition being held December
8-11, 2012 in Atlanta, GA. ADCETRIS is an antibody-drug conjugate (ADC)
directed to CD30. ADCETRIS has not been approved for use in the
treatment of CTCL.
Brentuximab Vedotin Demonstrates Significant Clinical Activity in
Relapsed or Refractory Mycosis Fungoides with Variable CD30 Expression
(Abstract #797)
The ongoing phase II clinical trial is enrolling CTCL patients with
mycosis fungoides (MF) or Sezary syndrome. Twenty patients have been
enrolled to date with a median of six prior systemic therapies. The
primary endpoint of the trial is clinical response rate. Secondary
endpoints include correlation of clinical response with CD30 expression
levels, duration of response and safety. The study was led by principle
investigator Dr. Youn H. Kim from Stanford University School of Medicine
in Stanford, CA, and was presented in an oral session. Key findings
include:
Fourteen of 20 patients (70 percent) achieved an objective response
across all stages of disease, including Stage IB, Stage IIB and Stage
IVA/B. At the time of analysis, 14 patients had a partial response,
one patient had stable disease and four patients had progressive
disease. One patient was not evaluable for response.
CD30 expression on lymphoid cells in biopsies of skin lesions was
measured by immunohistochemistry (IHC) and patients were divided into
three groups: those with less than 10 percent expression (seven
patients), 10 percent to 50 percent expression (10 patients) and
greater than 50 percent expression (three patients). Clinical activity
was observed in all three groups.
The most common related adverse events of any grade were peripheral
neuropathy (70 percent), fatigue (60 percent), decreased appetite (30
percent) and nausea (25 percent).
The most common Grade 3 or 4 related adverse events were rash (three
patients) and neutropenia (two patients).
Results of a Phase II Trial of Brentuximab Vedotin (SGN-35) for CD30+
Cutaneous T-Cell Lymphomas and Lymphoproliferative Disorders (Abstract
#3688)
Data were presented from a phase II investigator-sponsored trial
evaluating the use of ADCETRIS in CD30-positive CTCL patients, including
lymphomatoid papulosis (LyP), primary cutaneous anaplastic large cell
lymphoma (pcALCL) or MF. The ongoing study is being conducted by Dr.
Madeleine Duvic from The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center
in Houston, TX. Among 54 patients enrolled to date, 46 patients were
evaluable at the time of analysis. The primary endpoint of the trial is
to evaluate the safety and efficacy of ADCETRIS in CD30-positive CTCL.
The key findings include:
Thirty-one of 46 patients (67 percent) achieved an objective response,
including 19 of 19 (100 percent) with LyP and/or pcALCL and 12 of 27
(44 percent) with MF.
The most common adverse events were peripheral neuropathy (44
percent), fatigue (30 percent), skin rash (26 percent), diarrhea (22
percent), nausea (18 percent) and myalgia (18 percent).
The most common Grade 3 adverse events were neutropenia (three
patients), elevated liver function tests (two patients), nausea (two
patients) and deep vein thrombosis (two patients).
Seattle Genetics and Millennium: The Takeda Oncology Company have
initiated the ALCANZA trial, a randomized phase III clinical trial of
ADCETRIS for relapsed CD30-positive CTCL patients. The trial is
assessing ADCETRIS versus investigator's choice of methotrexate or
bexarotene in patients with CD30-positive CTCL, including those with
pcALCL or MF. The primary endpoint of the study is overall response rate
lasting at least four months. Approximately 124 patients will be
enrolled in the pivotal trial. The ALCANZA trial is being conducted
under a Special Protocol Assessment agreement from the U.S. Food and
Drug Administration (FDA). The study also received European Medicines
Agency scientific advice.
About CTCL
Lymphoma is a general term for a group of cancers that originate in the
lymphatic system. There are two major categories of lymphoma: Hodgkin
lymphoma and non-Hodgkin lymphoma. Cutaneous lymphomas are a category of
non-Hodgkin lymphomas that primarily involve the skin. According to the
Cutaneous Lymphoma Foundation, CTCL is the most common type of cutaneous
lymphoma and typically presents with red, scaly patches or thickened
plaques of skin that often mimic eczema or chronic dermatitis.
Progression from limited skin involvement is variable and may be
accompanied by tumor formation, ulceration and exfoliation, complicated
by itching and infections. Advanced stages are defined by involvement of
lymph nodes, peripheral blood and internal organs. According to
published literature, up to 50 percent of CTCL patients' lesions express
CD30.
About ADCETRIS
ADCETRIS (brentuximab vedotin) is an ADC comprising an anti-CD30
monoclonal antibody attached by a protease-cleavable linker to a
microtubule disrupting agent, monomethyl auristatin E (MMAE), utilizing
Seattle Genetics' proprietary technology. The ADC employs a linker
system that is designed to be stable in the bloodstream but to release
MMAE upon internalization into CD30-expressing tumor cells.
ADCETRIS received accelerated approval from the U.S. Food and Drug
Administration (FDA) in August 2011 for two indications: (1) the
treatment of patients with Hodgkin lymphoma after failure of autologous
stem cell transplant (ASCT) or after failure of at least two prior
multi-agent chemotherapy regimens in patients who are not ASCT
candidates, and (2) the treatment of patients with systemic anaplastic
large cell lymphoma (sALCL) after failure of at least one prior
multi-agent chemotherapy regimen. The indications for ADCETRIS are based
on response rate. There are no data available demonstrating improvement
in patient-reported outcomes or survival with ADCETRIS.
ADCETRIS was granted conditional marketing authorization by the European
Commission in October 2012 for the treatment of adult patients with
relapsed or refractory CD30+ HL: (1) following autologous stem cell
transplant (ASCT), or (2) following at least two prior therapies when
ASCT or multi-agent chemotherapy is not a treatment option. ADCETRIS is
indicated for the treatment of adult patients with relapsed or
refractory systemic anaplastic large cell lymphoma (sALCL). See
important safety information below.
Seattle Genetics and Millennium are jointly developing ADCETRIS. Under
the terms of the collaboration agreement, Seattle Genetics has U.S. and
Canadian commercialization rights and the Takeda Group has rights to
commercialize ADCETRIS in the rest of the world. Seattle Genetics and
the Takeda Group are funding joint development costs for ADCETRIS on a
50:50 basis, except in Japan where the Takeda Group will be solely
responsible for development costs.
About Seattle Genetics
Seattle Genetics is a biotechnology company focused on the development
and commercialization of monoclonal antibody-based therapies for the
treatment of cancer. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration granted
accelerated approval of ADCETRIS in August 2011 for two indications.
ADCETRIS is being developed in collaboration with Millennium: The Takeda
Oncology Company. In addition, Seattle Genetics has three other
clinical-stage ADC programs: SGN-75, ASG-5ME and ASG-22ME. Seattle
Genetics has collaborations for its ADC technology with a number of
leading biotechnology and pharmaceutical companies, including Abbott,
Agensys (an affiliate of Astellas), Bayer, Celldex Therapeutics, Daiichi
Sankyo, Genentech, GlaxoSmithKline, Millennium, Pfizer and Progenics, as
well as ADC co-development agreements with Agensys and Genmab. More
information can be found at www.seattlegenetics.com.
U.S. Important Safety InformationBOXED WARNINGProgressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy (PML): JC virus infection
resulting in PML and death can occur in patients receiving ADCETRIS.Contraindication:
Concomitant use of ADCETRIS and bleomycin is contraindicated due to
pulmonary toxicity.
Warnings and Precautions:
Peripheral neuropathy: ADCETRIS treatment causes a peripheral
neuropathy that is predominantly sensory. Cases of peripheral motor
neuropathy have also been reported. ADCETRIS-induced peripheral
neuropathy is cumulative. Treating physicians should monitor patients
for symptoms of neuropathy, such as hypoesthesia, hyperesthesia,
paresthesia, discomfort, a burning sensation, neuropathic pain or
weakness and institute dose modifications accordingly.
Infusion reactions: Infusion-related reactions, including anaphylaxis,
have occurred with ADCETRIS. Monitor patients during infusion. If an
infusion reaction occurs, the infusion should be interrupted and
appropriate medical management instituted. If anaphylaxis occurs, the
infusion should be immediately and permanently discontinued and
appropriate medical management instituted.
Neutropenia: Monitor complete blood counts prior to each dose of
ADCETRIS and consider more frequent monitoring for patients with Grade
3 or 4 neutropenia. If Grade 3 or 4 neutropenia develops, manage by
dose delays, reductions or discontinuation. Prolonged (≥1 week) severe
neutropenia can occur with ADCETRIS.
Tumor lysis syndrome: Patients with rapidly proliferating tumor and
high tumor burden are at risk of tumor lysis syndrome and these
patients should be monitored closely and appropriate measures taken.
Progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy (PML): JC virus infection
resulting in PML and death has been reported in ADCETRIS-treated
patients. In addition to ADCETRIS therapy, other possible contributory
factors include prior therapies and underlying disease that may cause
immunosuppression. Consider the diagnosis of PML in any patient
presenting with new-onset signs and symptoms of central nervous system
abnormalities. Evaluation of PML includes, but is not limited to,
consultation with a neurologist, brain MRI, and lumbar puncture or
brain biopsy. Hold ADCETRIS if PML is suspected and discontinue
ADCETRIS if PML is confirmed.
Stevens-Johnson syndrome: Stevens-Johnson syndrome has been reported
with ADCETRIS. If Stevens-Johnson syndrome occurs, discontinue
ADCETRIS and administer appropriate medical therapy.
Use in pregnancy: Fetal harm can occur. Pregnant women should be
advised of the potential hazard to the fetus.
Adverse Reactions:
ADCETRIS was studied as monotherapy in 160 patients in two phase 2
trials. Across both trials, the most common adverse reactions (≥20%),
regardless of causality, were neutropenia, peripheral sensory
neuropathy, fatigue, nausea, anemia, upper respiratory tract infection,
diarrhea, pyrexia, rash, thrombocytopenia, cough and vomiting.
Drug Interactions:
Patients who are receiving strong CYP3A4 inhibitors concomitantly with
ADCETRIS should be closely monitored for adverse reactions.
For additional important safety information, including Boxed WARNING,
please see the full U.S. prescribing information for ADCETRIS at www.seattlegenetics.com
or www.ADCETRIS.com.
Certain of the statements made in this press release are forward
looking, such as those, among others, relating to the therapeutic
potential of ADCETRIS and initiation of future clinical trials. Actual
results or developments may differ materially from those projected or
implied in these forward-looking statements. Factors that may cause such
a difference include the inability to show sufficient activity in the
phase III trial and the risk of adverse events as ADCETRIS advances in
clinical trials. In addition, data from our clinical trials, including
our pivotal trials which were the basis for FDA accelerated approval,
may not necessarily be indicative of subsequent clinical trial results.
More information about the risks and uncertainties faced by Seattle
Genetics is contained in the company's 10-Q for the quarter ended
September 30, 2012 filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission.
Seattle Genetics disclaims any intention or obligation to update or
revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new
information, future events or otherwise.
Seattle Genetics, Inc.Investors:Peggy Pinkston+1-425-527-4160ppinkston@seagen.comorMedia:Tricia
Larson+1-425-527-4180tlarson@seagen.com
