BioCorRx Provides 2021 Year-End Business Update
By Dr. Matthew Watson
ANAHEIM, CA, April 01, 2022 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- via NewMediaWire -- BioCorRx Inc. (OTCQB: BICX) (the “Company”), a developer and provider of innovative treatment programs for substance abuse and related disorders, today provided a year-end business update for 2021 and reported on recent corporate developments.
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BioCorRx Provides 2021 Year-End Business Update
Longboard Pharmaceuticals to Present Phase 1 Data for LP352 at the American Academy of Neurology Annual Meeting
By Dr. Matthew Watson
SAN DIEGO, April 01, 2022 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Longboard Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (Nasdaq: LBPH), a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company focused on developing novel, transformative medicines for neurological diseases, today announced that single ascending dose and multiple ascending dose data from the Phase 1 study evaluating LP352 in healthy volunteers will be presented at the American Academy of Neurology (AAN) Annual Meeting being held in person April 2–7, 2022, in Seattle, WA, and virtually April 24–26, 2022.
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Longboard Pharmaceuticals to Present Phase 1 Data for LP352 at the American Academy of Neurology Annual Meeting
Fulcrum Therapeutics® Announces Multiple Presentations on FSHD at the American Academy of Neurology’s Annual Meeting
By Dr. Matthew Watson
Presentations highlight potential of losmapimod to slow or stop progression of FSHD
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Fulcrum Therapeutics® Announces Multiple Presentations on FSHD at the American Academy of Neurology’s Annual Meeting
Healthy Extracts Reports Fourth Quarter and Full Year 2021 Results
By Dr. Matthew Watson
LAS VEGAS, April 01, 2022 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Healthy Extracts Inc. (OTCQB: HYEX), a leading innovator of clinically proven plant-based products for heart and brain health, reported results for the fourth quarter and full year ended December 31, 2021.
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Healthy Extracts Reports Fourth Quarter and Full Year 2021 Results
Praxis Precision Medicines to Present Data from PRAX-944 for Essential Tremor at 2022 American Academy of Neurology Annual Meeting
By Dr. Matthew Watson
BOSTON, April 01, 2022 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Praxis Precision Medicines, Inc. (NASDAQ: PRAX), a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company translating genetic insights into the development of therapies for central nervous system (CNS) disorders characterized by neuronal excitation-inhibition imbalance, today announced that data from its PRAX-944 essential tremor (ET) program will be presented at the upcoming 2022 American Academy of Neurology (AAN) Annual Meeting, which will take place in Seattle, Washington from April 2 – 7, 2022 and virtually from April 24 – 26, 2022. Abstracts can be accessed on the AAN meeting website.
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Praxis Precision Medicines to Present Data from PRAX-944 for Essential Tremor at 2022 American Academy of Neurology Annual Meeting
Y-mAbs Announces Submission of Omburtamab Biologics License Application to FDA
By Dr. Matthew Watson
NEW YORK, April 01, 2022 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Y-mAbs Therapeutics, Inc. (the “Company” or “Y-mAbs”) (Nasdaq: YMAB) a commercial-stage biopharmaceutical company focused on the development and commercialization of novel, antibody-based therapeutic products for the treatment of cancer, today announced that on March 31, 2022, the Company completed the resubmission of its Biologics License Application (“BLA”) for 131I-omburtamab (“omburtamab”) to the FDA.
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Y-mAbs Announces Submission of Omburtamab Biologics License Application to FDA
Tricida to Present at the Needham Virtual Healthcare Conference
By Dr. Matthew Watson
SOUTH SAN FRANCISCO, Calif., April 01, 2022 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Tricida, Inc. (Nasdaq: TCDA) announced today that it will present at the 21st Annual Needham Virtual Healthcare Conference on Monday, April 11, 2022 at 10:30 am Pacific Time / 1:30 pm Eastern Time. Tricida will provide a company overview, business update and progress on its key initiatives.
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Tricida to Present at the Needham Virtual Healthcare Conference
BioStem Technologies Inc. Reports December 31, 2021 Year End Financial Results
By Dr. Matthew Watson
POMPANO BEACH, FLORIDA., April 01, 2022 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- BioStem Technologies Inc. (OTC: BSEM), a leading regenerative medicine company focused on the development, manufacture, and commercialization of product solutions for the Advanced Wound Care market today reported financial results for the year ended December 31, 2021.
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BioStem Technologies Inc. Reports December 31, 2021 Year End Financial Results
Todos Medical Reports Fourth-Quarter and Full-Year 2021 Financial Results and Corporate Updates
By Dr. Matthew Watson
New York, NY, and Tel Aviv, ISRAEL, April 01, 2022 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- via NewMediaWire -- Todos Medical, Ltd. (OTCQB: TOMDF), a comprehensive medical diagnostics and related solutions company, today reported financial results for the fourth quarter and full-year ended December 31, 2021 and provided corporate updates.
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Todos Medical Reports Fourth-Quarter and Full-Year 2021 Financial Results and Corporate Updates
Number of voting rights as of March 31, 2022
By Dr. Matthew Watson
Nicox SASociété anonyme with a registered capital of € 43,223,135
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Number of voting rights as of March 31, 2022
Oxurion Announces Extraordinary and Annual Shareholders’ Meetings
By Dr. Matthew Watson
To Read More: Oxurion Announces Extraordinary and Annual Shareholders’ MeetingsBiofrontera Inc. to Report Fourth Quarter and Full Year 2021 Financial Results on April 8, 2022
By Dr. Matthew Watson
WOBURN, Mass., April 01, 2022 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Biofrontera Inc. (Nasdaq: BFRI), a biopharmaceutical company specializing in the commercialization of dermatological products, announced today it will report financial results for the three months and full year ended December 31, 2021 before the opening of the U.S. financial markets on Friday, April 8, 2022 and will host a conference call that same day beginning at 11:00 a.m. Eastern time to discuss those results, provide a business update and answer questions.
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Biofrontera Inc. to Report Fourth Quarter and Full Year 2021 Financial Results on April 8, 2022
Update: Todos Medical Reports Fourth-Quarter and Full-Year 2021 Financial Results and Corporate Updates
By Dr. Matthew Watson
New York, NY, and Tel Aviv, ISRAEL, April 01, 2022 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- via NewMediaWire -- Todos Medical, Ltd. (OTCQB: TOMDF), a comprehensive medical diagnostics and related solutions company, today reported financial results for the fourth quarter and full-year ended December 31, 2021 and provided corporate updates.
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Update: Todos Medical Reports Fourth-Quarter and Full-Year 2021 Financial Results and Corporate Updates
TCR² Therapeutics Reports Inducement Grants Under Nasdaq Listing Rule 5635(c)(4)
By Dr. Matthew Watson
CAMBRIDGE, Mass., April 01, 2022 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- TCR2 Therapeutics Inc. (Nasdaq: TCRR), a clinical-stage cell therapy company with a pipeline of novel T cell therapies for patients suffering from solid tumors, today announced that on March 31, 2022 (the “Grant Date”), the Compensation Committee of the Board of Directors of TCR2’s approved the grant of inducement stock options covering an aggregate of 73,000 shares of TCR2’s common stock to 9 new non-executive employees. The stock options were granted as an inducement material to the employees’ acceptance of employment with TCR2 in accordance with Nasdaq Listing Rule 5635(c)(4).
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TCR² Therapeutics Reports Inducement Grants Under Nasdaq Listing Rule 5635(c)(4)
ASLAN Pharmaceuticals Announces Receipt of Nasdaq Deficiency Notice Regarding Minimum Bid Price Requirement
By Dr. Matthew Watson
MENLO PARK, Calif. and SINGAPORE, April 01, 2022 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- ASLAN Pharmaceuticals (NASDAQ: ASLN) ("ASLAN" or the "Company"), announced today that on March 28, 2022, it received a written notice (the "Notice") from the Listing Qualifications Department of The Nasdaq Stock Market LLC ("Nasdaq") indicating that the Company is not in compliance with the US$1.00 minimum bid price requirement under the Nasdaq Listing Rules (the "Listing Rules"). Based on the closing bid price of the Company's listed securities for the last 30 consecutive business days from February 11, 2022 to March 25, 2022, the Company has not met the minimum bid price requirement set forth in Listing Rule 5550(a)(2) during that period. The Notice is only a notification of deficiency and has no immediate effect on the listing of the Company’s American Depositary Shares (“ADS”). The Company’s ADSs will continue to trade on the Nasdaq Global Market at this time. The Company’s receipt of the Notice does not impact the Company’s business, operations or reporting requirements with the Securities and Exchange Commission.
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ASLAN Pharmaceuticals Announces Receipt of Nasdaq Deficiency Notice Regarding Minimum Bid Price Requirement
Oncternal Therapeutics Reports Granting of Inducement Award Under Nasdaq Listing Rule 5635(c)(4)
By Dr. Matthew Watson
SAN DIEGO, April 01, 2022 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Oncternal Therapeutics, Inc. (Nasdaq: ONCT), a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company focused on the development of novel oncology therapies, today announced that it has granted an inducement award to one new employee, Rachel Monet Kenny, who joined the Company as Associate Director, CMC and Clinical Supply Chain.
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Oncternal Therapeutics Reports Granting of Inducement Award Under Nasdaq Listing Rule 5635(c)(4)
Sotagliflozin Improved Outcomes in Patients With and Without Prior Cardiovascular Disease in New Analysis Presented at the American College of…
By Dr. Matthew Watson
Late-breaking presentation of analysis of SCORED clinical trial data describes significant reduction in cardiovascular death, myocardial infarction and stroke with sotagliflozin treatment as compared to placebo Late-breaking presentation of analysis of SCORED clinical trial data describes significant reduction in cardiovascular death, myocardial infarction and stroke with sotagliflozin treatment as compared to placebo
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Sotagliflozin Improved Outcomes in Patients With and Without Prior Cardiovascular Disease in New Analysis Presented at the American College of...
Are COVID-19-Linked Arrhythmias Caused by Viral Damage to the Heart’s Pacemaker Cells? – Weill Cornell Medicine Newsroom
By daniellenierenberg
The SARS-CoV-2 virus can infect specialized pacemaker cells that maintain the hearts rhythmic beat, setting off a self-destruction process within the cells, according to a preclinical study co-led by researchers at Weill Cornell Medicine, NewYork-Presbyterian and NYU Grossman School of Medicine. The findings offer a possible explanation for the heart arrhythmias that are commonly observed in patients with SARS-CoV-2 infection.
In the study, reported March 8 in Circulation Research, the researchers used an animal model as well as human stem cell-derived pacemaker cells to show that SARS-CoV-2 can readily infect pacemaker cells and trigger a process called ferroptosis, in which the cells self-destruct but also produce reactive oxygen molecules that can impact nearby cells.
This is a surprising and apparently unique vulnerability of these cellswe looked at a variety of other human cell types that can be infected by SARS-CoV-2, including even heart muscle cells, but found signs of ferroptosis only in the pacemaker cells, said study co-senior author Dr. Shuibing Chen, the Kilts Family Professor of Surgery and a professor of chemical biology in surgery and of chemical biology in biochemistry at Weill Cornell Medicine.
Arrhythmias including too-quick (tachycardia) and too-slow (bradycardia) heart rhythms have been noted among many COVID-19 patients, and multiple studies have linked these abnormal rhythms to worse COVID-19 outcomes. How SARS-CoV-2 infection could cause such arrhythmias has been unclear, though.
In the new study, the researchers, including co-senior author Dr. Benjamin tenOever of NYU Grossman School of Medicine, examined golden hamstersone of the only lab animals that reliably develops COVID-19-like signs from SARS-CoV-2 infectionand found evidence that following nasal exposure the virus can infect the cells of the natural cardiac pacemaker unit, known as the sinoatrial node.
To study SARS-CoV-2s effects on pacemaker cells in more detail and with human cells, the researchers used advanced stem cell techniques to induce human embryonic stem cells to mature into cells closely resembling sinoatrial node cells. They showed that these induced human pacemaker cells express the receptor ACE2 and other factors SARS-CoV-2 uses to get into cells and are readily infected by SARS-CoV-2. The researchers also observed large increases in inflammatory immune gene activity in the infected cells.
The teams most surprising finding, however, was that the pacemaker cells, in response to the stress of infection, showed clear signs of a cellular self-destruct process called ferroptosis, which involves accumulation of iron and the runaway production of cell-destroying reactive oxygen molecules. The scientists were able to reverse these signs in the cells using compounds that are known to bind iron and inhibit ferroptosis.
This finding suggests that some of the cardiac arrhythmias detected in COVID-19 patients could be caused by ferroptosis damage to the sinoatrial node, said co-senior author Dr. Robert Schwartz, an associate professor of medicine in the Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology at Weill Cornell Medicine and a hepatologist at NewYork-Presbyterian/Weill Cornell Medical Center.
Although in principle COVID-19 patients could be treated with ferroptosis inhibitors specifically to protect sinoatrial node cells, antiviral drugs that block the effects of SARS-CoV-2 infection in all cell types would be preferable, the researchers said.
The researchers plan to continue to use their cell and animal models to investigate sinoatrial node damage in COVID-19and beyond.
There are other human sinoatrial arrhythmia syndromes we could model with our platform, said co-senior author Dr. Todd Evans, the Peter I. Pressman M.D. Professor of Surgery and associate dean for research at Weill Cornell Medicine. And, although physicians currently can use an artificial electronic pacemaker to replace the function of a damaged sinoatrial node, theres the potential here to use sinoatrial cells such as weve developed as an alternative, cell-based pacemaker therapy.
Many Weill Cornell Medicine physicians and scientists maintain relationships and collaborate with external organizations to foster scientific innovation and provide expert guidance. The institution makes these disclosurespublic to ensure transparency. For this information, see profiles for Dr. Todd Evans, and Dr. Robert Schwartz.
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Are COVID-19-Linked Arrhythmias Caused by Viral Damage to the Heart's Pacemaker Cells? - Weill Cornell Medicine Newsroom
#VisualAbstract: Cardiosphere-derived cell therapy slows disease progression in Duchenne muscular dystrophy – Physician’s Weekly
By daniellenierenberg
Evidence Rating Level:1 (Excellent)
Study Rundown:Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) is an X-linked genetic disorder characterized by progressive muscle degeneration leading to significant reduction in life expectancy. Males with DMD have an estimated life expectancy of 22 years with heart and respiratory muscles affected in later disease stages. In this phase 2 trial, a formulation of allogenic cardiosphere-derived cells (CAP-1002) was evaluated against placebo in patients with DMD. CAP-1002 is, in essence, a concentrate of cardiac stem cells with potential disease-modifying properties such as regenerative abilities. Participants (n=20) were randomized 1:1 to receive either CAP-1002 or placebo every three months for four total infusions. Primary outcome was upper limb function measured by a scale of 0-6 (PUL). CAP-1002 was shown to slow PUL decline by 71% compared to placebo or by an absolute difference of 2.6 points. CAP-1002 was generally well-tolerated with only one severe adverse hypersensitivity reaction leading to withdrawal from the trial. Limitations of this study include the small sample size. Nonetheless, this study provides promising preliminary results for a potential disease-modifying therapy in DMD.
Click to read the study in the Lancet
Relevant Reading:Long-term effects of glucocorticoids on function, quality of life, and survival in patients with Duchenne muscular dystrophy: a prospective cohort study.
In-Depth [randomized controlled trial]:HOPE-2 was a randomized-controlled phase 2 clinical trial to assess to safety and efficacy of intravenous CAP-1002 for the treatment of Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD). The study enrolled patients aged 10 and older with genetically confirmed DMD. Participants had to score between 2-5 on the Performance of Upper Limb (PUL) scale with 0 being no useful function of hands and 6 being maximum overhead reach without compensation. 20 participants were assigned 1:1 to either CAP-1002 (n=8) or placebo (n=12) infusion every 3 months for a total of four infusions. Mean age of the enrolled male participants was 14 in both groups. Primary outcome was the upper limb function on the PUL scale. Patients who received CAP-1002 had a greater change in PUL score from baseline after 12 months compared to placebo (percentile difference 36.2, 95% CI 12.7-59.7). On the PUL scale, the placebo group had a mean change of -3.4 points from baseline, while the CAP-1002 had a -0.8 point change (difference of 2.6 points). This can also be interpreted as a 71% slowing of loss of function in the CAP-1002 group. Three patients in the CAP-1002 group had infusion-related hypersensitivity reactions, one leading to discontinuation. No other adverse events were seen in the two groups.
2022 2 Minute Medicine, Inc. All rights reserved. No works may be reproduced without expressed written consent from 2 Minute Medicine, Inc. Inquire about licensing here. No article should be construed as medical advice and is not intended as such by the authors or by 2 Minute Medicine, Inc.
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#VisualAbstract: Cardiosphere-derived cell therapy slows disease progression in Duchenne muscular dystrophy - Physician's Weekly
Mavacamten Demonstrated Significant Reduction in Need for Septal Reduction Therapy in Symptomatic Obstructive HCM Patients in Phase 3 VALOR Trial -…
By daniellenierenberg
-- Yescarta is First CAR T-cell Therapy to Receive NCCN Treatment Guideline Category 1 Recommendation --
Kite, a Gilead Company (Nasdaq: GILD), today announced the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved Yescarta (axicabtagene ciloleucel) CAR T-cell therapy for adult patients with large B-cell lymphoma that is refractory to first-line chemoimmunotherapy or that relapses within 12 months of first-line chemoimmunotherapy. Yescarta demonstrated a clinically meaningful and statistically significant improvement in event-free survival (EFS; hazard ratio 0.398; P
This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20220401005519/en/
Earlier this month, the National Comprehensive Cancer Network (NCCN) updated its Clinical Practice Guidelines in Oncology for B-cell Lymphomas to include Yescarta for "Relapsed disease
Christi Shaw, Chief Executive Officer of Kite : "Kite started with a very bold goal: creating the hope of survival through cell therapy. Today's FDA approval brings that hope to more patients by enabling the power of CAR T-cell therapy to be used earlier in the treatment journey. This milestone has been years in the making. On behalf of the entire Kite community, we would like to thank the patients and physicians who have been on this journey with us. You are what drives us every day to explore the full potential of cell therapy."
CAR T-cell therapies are individually made starting from a patient's own white blood cells, called T-cells. The cells are removed through a process similar to donating blood and sent to Kite's specialized manufacturing facilities where they are engineered to target the patient's cancer, expanded, and then returned to the hospital for infusion back into the patient. Referring physicians and patients can immediately begin accessing Yescarta CAR T-cell therapy for this new FDA-approved indication through Kite's 112 authorized treatment centers across the U.S.
Frederick L. Locke, MD, ZUMA-7 Principal Investigator and Co-Leader of the Immuno-Oncology Program at Moffitt Cancer Center, Tampa, Florida : "Today's approval marks an exciting new standard of care. The ZUMA-7 trial enabled us to look at the broader picture of what happens to patients after a decision is made to follow a particular treatment path. What we found was that axi-cel resulted in three times as many patients receiving treatment with curative intent (CAR T-cell therapy), and an overall better outcome for patients than the previous standard of care. Additionally, we have now amassed significant experience with CAR T-cell therapy to better manage or prevent side-effects, making this treatment more accessible for older patients and those with medical conditions for whom the standard of care might be difficult."
SOC therapy for this patient population has historically been a multi-step process expected to end with a stem cell transplant. The process starts with chemoimmunotherapy, and if a patient responds to and can tolerate further treatment, they move on to high-dose chemotherapy (HDT) followed by a stem cell transplant (ASCT).
Jason Westin, MD, MS, FACP, ZUMA-7 Principal Investigator, Director, Lymphoma Clinical Research, and Associate Professor, Department of Lymphoma/Myeloma at The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center : "Definitive clinical trial results such as these do not come along often and should drive a paradigm shift in how patients with relapsed or refractory LBCL are treated moving forward. Patients who do not respond to or relapse after initial treatment should quickly be referred to a CAR T-cell therapy authorized treatment center for evaluation."
Kite CAR T-cell therapy products are widely covered by commercial and government insurance programs in the U.S. Kite has also invested in expansion of manufacturing capacity ahead of today's FDA decision to support patient access.
Lee Greenberger, PhD, Chief Scientific Officer of The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society (LLS): "LLS was an early supporter of CAR T-cell therapy research, and to be able to see this innovative advance become available as an earlier line of treatment is truly remarkable. Current standard of care is a difficult process for patients, and no one knows at the start who will make it to stem cell transplant. With today's FDA decision, patients will have earlier access to this potentially curative treatment."
Yescarta was initially approved by the FDA in 2017 based on the ZUMA-1 trial for a smaller population of LBCL patients who failed two or more lines of therapy. The ZUMA-1 trial has recently reported durable 5-year survival results, with Yescarta showing 42.6% of study patients alive at 5 years and that 92% of those patients alive at 5 years have needed no additional cancer treatment at this important milestone.
As the only company dedicated exclusively to the research, development, commercialization, and manufacturing of cell therapy on a global scale, Kite has all functions critical to cell therapy vertically integrated. This structure enables the continual refinement and support of the highly specialized and complex end-to-end processes needed to support and improve upon patient outcomes with CAR T-cell therapy.
About ZUMA-7 Study
The FDA approval of Yescarta CAR T-cell therapy for adult patients with large B-cell lymphoma (LBCL) that is refractory to first-line chemoimmunotherapy or that relapses within 12 months of first-line chemoimmunotherapy is based on results from the ZUMA-7 study. Patients had not yet received treatment for relapsed or refractory lymphoma and were potential candidates for autologous stem cell transplant (ASCT). Results were presented in a Plenary session at the American Society of Hematology's (ASH) Annual Meeting & Exposition in December 2021 and simultaneously published in the New England Journal of Medicine (NEJM).
ZUMA-7 is a randomized, open-label, global, multicenter, Phase 3 study evaluating the safety and efficacy of Yescarta versus current standard of care (SOC) for second-line therapy (platinum-based salvage combination chemoimmunotherapy regimen followed by high-dose therapy [HDT] and ASCT in those who respond to salvage chemotherapy) in adult patients with relapsed or refractory LBCL within 12 months of first-line therapy. In the study, 359 patients in 77 centers around the world were randomized (1:1) to receive a single infusion of Yescarta or current SOC second-line therapy. The primary endpoint is event-free survival (EFS) as determined by blinded central review and defined as the time from randomization to the earliest date of disease progression per Lugano Classification, commencement of new lymphoma therapy, or death from any cause. Key secondary endpoints include objective response rate (ORR) and overall survival (OS). Additional secondary endpoints include patient reported outcomes (PROs) and safety.
Yescarta demonstrated a 2.5-fold increase in patients who were alive at two years and did not experience cancer progression or require the need for additional cancer treatment (40.5% vs. 16.3%) and a four-fold greater median EFS (8.3 mo. vs. 2.0 mo.) compared to SOC (hazard ratio 0.398; 95% CI: 0.308-0.514, P
Nearly three times as many patients randomized to Yescarta ultimately received the definitive CAR T-cell therapy treatment (94%) versus those randomized to SOC (35%) who received on-protocol HDT+ASCT. More patients responded to Yescarta (ORR: 83% vs. 50%, odds ratio: 5.31 [95% CI: 3.1-8.9; P
Fifty-five percent of patients in the SOC arm subsequently received CD19-directed CAR T-cell therapy off study.
In the study, Yescarta had a safety profile that was consistent with previous studies. Among the 168 Yescarta-treated patients evaluable for safety, Grade 3 cytokine release syndrome (CRS) and neurologic events were observed in 7% and 25% of patients, respectively. In the SOC arm, 83% of patients had high grade events, mostly cytopenias (low blood counts).
The Yescarta U.S. Prescribing Information has a BOXED WARNING for the risks of CRS and neurologic toxicities, and Yescarta is approved with a Risk Evaluation and Mitigation Strategy (REMS) due to these risks; see below for Important Safety Information.
About LBCL
Globally, LBCL is the most common type of non-Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL). In the United States, more than 18,000 people are diagnosed with LBCL each year. About 30-40% of patients with LBCL will need second-line treatment, as their cancer will either relapse (return) or become refractory (not respond) to initial treatment.
About Yescarta
Please see full Prescribing Information , including BOXED WARNING and Medication Guide.
YESCARTA is a CD19-directed genetically modified autologous T cell immunotherapy indicated for the treatment of:
Limitations of Use : YESCARTA is not indicated for the treatment of patients with primary central nervous system lymphoma.
U.S. IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION
BOXED WARNING: CYTOKINE RELEASE SYNDROME AND NEUROLOGIC TOXICITIES
CYTOKINE RELEASE SYNDROME (CRS)
CRS, including fatal or life-threatening reactions, occurred. CRS occurred in 90% (379/422) of patients with non-Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL), including Grade 3 in 9%. CRS occurred in 93% (256/276) of patients with large B-cell lymphoma (LBCL), including Grade 3 in 9%. Among patients with LBCL who died after receiving YESCARTA, 4 had ongoing CRS events at the time of death. For patients with LBCL in ZUMA-1, the median time to onset of CRS was 2 days following infusion (range: 1-12 days) and the median duration was 7 days (range: 2-58 days). For patients with LBCL in ZUMA-7, the median time to onset of CRS was 3 days following infusion (range: 1-10 days) and the median duration was 7 days (range: 2-43 days). CRS occurred in 84% (123/146) of patients with indolent non-Hodgkin lymphoma (iNHL) in ZUMA-5, including Grade 3 in 8%. Among patients with iNHL who died after receiving YESCARTA, 1 patient had an ongoing CRS event at the time of death. The median time to onset of CRS was 4 days (range: 1-20 days) and median duration was 6 days (range: 1-27 days) for patients with iNHL.
Key manifestations of CRS ( 10%) in all patients combined included fever (85%), hypotension (40%), tachycardia (32%), chills (22%), hypoxia (20%), headache (15%), and fatigue (12%). Serious events that may be associated with CRS include cardiac arrhythmias (including atrial fibrillation and ventricular tachycardia), renal insufficiency, cardiac failure, respiratory failure, cardiac arrest, capillary leak syndrome, multi-organ failure, and hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis/macrophage activation syndrome.
The impact of tocilizumab and/or corticosteroids on the incidence and severity of CRS was assessed in 2 subsequent cohorts of LBCL patients in ZUMA-1. Among patients who received tocilizumab and/or corticosteroids for ongoing Grade 1 events, CRS occurred in 93% (38/41), including 2% (1/41) with Grade 3 CRS; no patients experienced a Grade 4 or 5 event. The median time to onset of CRS was 2 days (range: 1-8 days) and the median duration of CRS was 7 days (range: 2-16 days). Prophylactic treatment with corticosteroids was administered to a cohort of 39 patients for 3 days beginning on the day of infusion of YESCARTA. Thirty-one of the 39 patients (79%) developed CRS and were managed with tocilizumab and/or therapeutic doses of corticosteroids with no patients developing Grade 3 CRS. The median time to onset of CRS was 5 days (range: 1-15 days) and the median duration of CRS was 4 days (range: 1-10 days). Although there is no known mechanistic explanation, consider the risk and benefits of prophylactic corticosteroids in the context of pre-existing comorbidities for the individual patient and the potential for the risk of Grade 4 and prolonged neurologic toxicities.
Ensure that 2 doses of tocilizumab are available prior to YESCARTA infusion. Monitor patients for signs and symptoms of CRS at least daily for 7 days at the certified healthcare facility, and for 4 weeks thereafter. Counsel patients to seek immediate medical attention should signs or symptoms of CRS occur at any time. At the first sign of CRS, institute treatment with supportive care, tocilizumab, or tocilizumab and corticosteroids as indicated.
NEUROLOGIC TOXICITIES
Neurologic toxicities (including immune effector cell-associated neurotoxicity syndrome) that were fatal or life-threatening occurred. Neurologic toxicities occurred in 78% (330/422) of all patients with NHL receiving YESCARTA, including Grade 3 in 25%. Neurologic toxicities occurred in 87% (94/108) of patients with LBCL in ZUMA-1, including Grade 3 in 31% and in 74% (124/168) of patients in ZUMA-7 including Grade 3 in 25%. The median time to onset was 4 days (range: 1-43 days) and the median duration was 17 days for patients with LBCL in ZUMA-1. The median time to onset for neurologic toxicity was 5 days (range:1- 133 days) and median duration was 15 days in patients with LBCL in ZUMA-7. Neurologic toxicities occurred in 77% (112/146) of patients with iNHL, including Grade 3 in 21%. The median time to onset was 6 days (range: 1-79 days) and the median duration was 16 days. Ninety-eight percent of all neurologic toxicities in patients with LBCL and 99% of all neurologic toxicities in patients with iNHL occurred within the first 8 weeks of YESCARTA infusion. Neurologic toxicities occurred within the first 7 days of infusion for 87% of affected patients with LBCL and 74% of affected patients with iNHL.
The most common neurologic toxicities ( 10%) in all patients combined included encephalopathy (50%), headache (43%), tremor (29%), dizziness (21%), aphasia (17%), delirium (15%), and insomnia (10%). Prolonged encephalopathy lasting up to 173 days was noted. Serious events, including aphasia, leukoencephalopathy, dysarthria, lethargy, and seizures occurred. Fatal and serious cases of cerebral edema and encephalopathy, including late-onset encephalopathy, have occurred.
The impact of tocilizumab and/or corticosteroids on the incidence and severity of neurologic toxicities was assessed in 2 subsequent cohorts of LBCL patients in ZUMA-1. Among patients who received corticosteroids at the onset of Grade 1 toxicities, neurologic toxicities occurred in 78% (32/41) and 20% (8/41) had Grade 3 neurologic toxicities; no patients experienced a Grade 4 or 5 event. The median time to onset of neurologic toxicities was 6 days (range: 1-93 days) with a median duration of 8 days (range: 1-144 days). Prophylactic treatment with corticosteroids was administered to a cohort of 39 patients for 3 days beginning on the day of infusion of YESCARTA. Of those patients, 85% (33/39) developed neurologic toxicities, 8% (3/39) developed Grade 3, and 5% (2/39) developed Grade 4 neurologic toxicities. The median time to onset of neurologic toxicities was 6 days (range: 1-274 days) with a median duration of 12 days (range: 1-107 days). Prophylactic corticosteroids for management of CRS and neurologic toxicities may result in higher grade of neurologic toxicities or prolongation of neurologic toxicities, delay the onset and decrease the duration of CRS.
Monitor patients for signs and symptoms of neurologic toxicities at least daily for 7 days at the certified healthcare facility, and for 4 weeks thereafter, and treat promptly.
REMS
Because of the risk of CRS and neurologic toxicities, YESCARTA is available only through a restricted program called the YESCARTA and TECARTUS REMS Program which requires that: Healthcare facilities that dispense and administer YESCARTA must be enrolled and comply with the REMS requirements and must have on-site, immediate access to a minimum of 2 doses of tocilizumab for each patient for infusion within 2 hours after YESCARTA infusion, if needed for treatment of CRS. Certified healthcare facilities must ensure that healthcare providers who prescribe, dispense, or administer YESCARTA are trained about the management of CRS and neurologic toxicities. Further information is available at http://www.YescartaTecartusREMS.com or 1-844-454-KITE (5483).
HYPERSENSITIVITY REACTIONS
Allergic reactions, including serious hypersensitivity reactions or anaphylaxis, may occur with the infusion of YESCARTA.
SERIOUS INFECTIONS
Severe or life-threatening infections occurred. Infections (all grades) occurred in 45% of patients with NHL. Grade 3 infections occurred in 17% of patients, including Grade 3 infections with an unspecified pathogen in 12%, bacterial infections in 5%, viral infections in 3%, and fungal infections in 1%. YESCARTA should not be administered to patients with clinically significant active systemic infections. Monitor patients for signs and symptoms of infection before and after infusion and treat appropriately. Administer prophylactic antimicrobials according to local guidelines.
Febrile neutropenia was observed in 36% of all patients with NHL and may be concurrent with CRS. In the event of febrile neutropenia, evaluate for infection and manage with broad-spectrum antibiotics, fluids, and other supportive care as medically indicated.
In immunosuppressed patients, including those who have received YESCARTA, life-threatening and fatal opportunistic infections including disseminated fungal infections (e.g., candida sepsis and aspergillus infections) and viral reactivation (e.g., human herpes virus-6 [HHV-6] encephalitis and JC virus progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy [PML]) have been reported. The possibility of HHV-6 encephalitis and PML should be considered in immunosuppressed patients with neurologic events and appropriate diagnostic evaluations should be performed.
Hepatitis B virus (HBV) reactivation, in some cases resulting in fulminant hepatitis, hepatic failure, and death, can occur in patients treated with drugs directed against B cells, including YESCARTA. Perform screening for HBV, HCV, and HIV in accordance with clinical guidelines before collection of cells for manufacturing.
PROLONGED CYTOPENIAS
Patients may exhibit cytopenias for several weeks following lymphodepleting chemotherapy and YESCARTA infusion. Grade 3 cytopenias not resolved by Day 30 following YESCARTA infusion occurred in 39% of all patients with NHL and included neutropenia (33%), thrombocytopenia (13%), and anemia (8%). Monitor blood counts after infusion.
HYPOGAMMAGLOBULINEMIA B-cell aplasia and hypogammaglobulinemia can occur. Hypogammaglobulinemia was reported as an adverse reaction in 14% of all patients with NHL. Monitor immunoglobulin levels after treatment and manage using infection precautions, antibiotic prophylaxis, and immunoglobulin replacement. The safety of immunization with live viral vaccines during or following YESCARTA treatment has not been studied. Vaccination with live virus vaccines is not recommended for at least 6 weeks prior to the start of lymphodepleting chemotherapy, during YESCARTA treatment, and until immune recovery following treatment.
SECONDARY MALIGNANCIES
Secondary malignancies may develop. Monitor life-long for secondary malignancies. In the event that one occurs, contact Kite at 1-844-454-KITE (5483) to obtain instructions on patient samples to collect for testing.
EFFECTS ON ABILITY TO DRIVE AND USE MACHINES
Due to the potential for neurologic events, including altered mental status or seizures, patients are at risk for altered or decreased consciousness or coordination in the 8 weeks following YESCARTA infusion. Advise patients to refrain from driving and engaging in hazardous occupations or activities, such as operating heavy or potentially dangerous machinery, during this initial period.
ADVERSE REACTIONS
The most common non-laboratory adverse reactions (incidence 20%) in patients with LBCL in ZUMA-7 included fever, CRS, fatigue, hypotension, encephalopathy, tachycardia, diarrhea, headache, musculoskeletal pain, nausea, febrile neutropenia, chills, cough, infection with unspecified pathogen, dizziness, tremor, decreased appetite, edema, hypoxia, abdominal pain, aphasia, constipation, and vomiting.
The most common adverse reactions (incidence 20%) in patients with LBCL in ZUMA-1 included CRS, fever, hypotension, encephalopathy, tachycardia, fatigue, headache, decreased appetite, chills, diarrhea, febrile neutropenia, infections with pathogen unspecified, nausea, hypoxia, tremor, cough, vomiting, dizziness, constipation, and cardiac arrhythmias.
The most common non-laboratory adverse reactions (incidence 20%) in patients with iNHL in ZUMA-5 included fever, CRS, hypotension, encephalopathy, fatigue, headache, infections with pathogen unspecified, tachycardia, febrile neutropenia, musculoskeletal pain, nausea, tremor, chills, diarrhea, constipation, decreased appetite, cough, vomiting, hypoxia, arrhythmia, and dizziness.
About Kite
Kite, a Gilead Company, is a global biopharmaceutical company based in Santa Monica, California, with manufacturing operations in North America and Europe. Kite's singular focus is cell therapy to treat and potentially cure cancer. As the cell therapy leader, Kite has more approved CAR T indications to help more patients than any other company. For more information on Kite, please visit http://www.kitepharma.com .
About Gilead Sciences
Gilead Sciences, Inc. is a biopharmaceutical company that has pursued and achieved breakthroughs in medicine for more than three decades, with the goal of creating a healthier world for all people. The company is committed to advancing innovative medicines to prevent and treat life-threatening diseases, including HIV, viral hepatitis and cancer. Gilead operates in more than 35 countries worldwide, with headquarters in Foster City, California.
Forward Looking Statements
This press release includes forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 that are subject to risks, uncertainties and other factors, including the possibility of unfavorable results from ongoing or additional clinical trials involving Yescarta; Kite's ability to initiate, progress or complete clinical trials within currently anticipated timelines or at all, including those involving Yescarta; Kite's ability to receive regulatory approvals in a timely manner or at all, including additional regulatory approvals of Yescarta, and the risk that any such approvals may be subject to significant limitations on use; the risk that physicians may not see the benefits of prescribing Yescarta; and any assumptions underlying any of the foregoing. These and other risks, uncertainties and other factors are described in detail in Gilead's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2021, as filed with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission. These risks, uncertainties and other factors could cause actual results to differ materially from those referred to in the forward-looking statements. All statements other than statements of historical fact are statements that could be deemed forward-looking statements. The reader is cautioned that any such forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future performance and involve risks and uncertainties and is cautioned not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements. All forward-looking statements are based on information currently available to Kite and Gilead, and Kite and Gilead assume no obligation and disclaim any intent to update any such forward-looking statements.
U.S. Prescribing Information for Yescarta including BOXED WARNING , is available at http://www.kitepharma.com and http://www.gilead.com .
Kite, the Kite logo, Yescarta, Tecartus, XLP and GILEAD are trademarks of Gilead Sciences, Inc. or its related companies.
For more information on Kite, please visit the company's website at http://www.kitepharma.com . Follow Kite on social media on Twitter ( @KitePharma ) and LinkedIn .
View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20220401005519/en/
Jacquie Ross, Investors investor_relations@gilead.com
Mary Lynn Carver, Media mcarver@kitepharma.com
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