AbbVie Advances Oncology Pipeline With Start of Multiple Myeloma Phase 3 Clinical Trial for Investigational Asset ABBV-383
AbbVie (NYSE: ABBV) announced the commencement of its CERVINO Phase 3 trial, evaluating the efficacy, safety, and tolerability of its investigational drug, ABBV-383, for treating relapsed/refractory multiple myeloma (r/r MM).
ABBV-383 is a B-cell maturation antigen (BCMA) bispecific antibody T-cell engager with distinctive bivalent BCMA-binding domains and a low-affinity CD3 binding domain, designed for high BCMA-avidity. The trial involves a multicenter, randomized, open-label study comparing ABBV-383 monotherapy to standard available therapies (SATs) in patients who have undergone at least two prior treatment lines.
Multiple myeloma is a significant global health concern, affecting 176,000 new patients and causing 117,000 deaths in 2020. The study aims to offer a novel treatment option with a monthly dosing regimen, potentially simplifying treatment for both physicians and patients.
- AbbVie has initiated the Phase 3 trial for the promising investigational drug ABBV-383, indicating strong pipeline advancement.
- The CERVINO trial aims to offer monthly dosing, potentially simplifying treatment regimens for multiple myeloma patients.
- ABBV-383 features high BCMA-avidity, potentially increasing its efficacy in treating relapsed/refractory multiple myeloma.
- The trial compares ABBV-383 with standard available therapies, which could position ABBV-383 favorably if successful.
- The commencement of a Phase 3 trial highlights AbbVie's commitment to advancing oncology treatment and addressing unmet needs in blood cancer.
- Successful results from the CERVINO Phase 3 trial are not guaranteed, posing risks to future expectations and stock performance.
- The trial addresses a patient group that has already undergone at least two lines of prior therapy, which could complicate achieving favorable outcomes.
- Development costs associated with conducting a large-scale, multicenter Phase 3 trial could negatively impact AbbVie's financials if results are not positive.
- Existing treatments for multiple myeloma already present a high treatment burden, and if ABBV-383 does not significantly improve on these, it may not gain market traction.
- The trial's open-label design might introduce biases, potentially affecting the reliability of the results.
Insights
AbbVie's initiation of the Phase 3 CERVINO trial for ABBV-383 is a significant advancement in the treatment of relapsed/refractory multiple myeloma. This bispecific antibody T-cell engager targets the B-cell maturation antigen (BCMA), a protein commonly found on the surface of multiple myeloma cells. By engaging T-cells to attack these cancer cells, ABBV-383 could potentially offer a new therapeutic option for patients who have exhausted other treatments.
Current standard therapies for relapsed/refractory multiple myeloma often involve complex regimens and frequent dosing schedules. The monthly dosing of ABBV-383 simplifies the treatment protocol, which could improve patient compliance and quality of life. However, the true benefit will only be confirmed through the efficacy and safety data from this trial.
In addition, the trial's design to compare ABBV-383 directly against standard available therapies will provide a clear understanding of its relative effectiveness, potentially setting a new benchmark in multiple myeloma treatment.
The CERVINO Phase 3 trial for ABBV-383 marks a landmark moment in AbbVie's oncology pipeline. The bispecific antibody T-cell engager approach is innovative and leverages the body's own immune system to target cancer cells directly, which is different from traditional chemotherapy or monoclonal antibody treatments. This could translate to better outcomes for patients, especially those with relapsed/refractory multiple myeloma, who often face limited options.
The global burden of multiple myeloma is substantial, with over 176,000 new cases diagnosed annually. The introduction of a new viable treatment could significantly impact patient outcomes. If ABBV-383 demonstrates superior efficacy and safety compared to existing treatments, it could quickly become a preferred option for oncologists, further solidifying AbbVie's position in the oncology market. Investors should monitor the trial outcomes closely, as positive results could lead to substantial market share gains.
From a financial perspective, the initiation of the CERVINO Phase 3 trial for ABBV-383 presents a promising opportunity for AbbVie. The company has a strong track record in oncology and successful results from this trial could drive significant revenue growth. Given the high unmet medical need in relapsed/refractory multiple myeloma, ABBV-383 could capture a sizable market share if it proves to be more effective or better tolerated than existing therapies.
If ABBV-383 receives regulatory approval based on positive trial results, the commercial potential is considerable, given the global incidence of multiple myeloma and the ongoing search for improved treatments. Investors should keep an eye on the trial's progress, as strong efficacy and safety data would likely lead to an increase in AbbVie's stock value and provide a competitive edge in the oncology space.
- ABBV-383 is a B-cell maturation antigen (BCMA) bispecific antibody T-cell engager being evaluated in relapsed/refractory multiple myeloma (r/r MM)
- The CERVINO Phase 3 trial will evaluate the efficacy, safety, and tolerability of ABBV-383 monotherapy compared with standard available therapies (SATs) in patients with r/r MM who have received at least two lines of prior therapy
"Despite notable advances in treatment, most patients with multiple myeloma will eventually relapse. Patients with advanced disease, especially in the community setting, often have limited access to novel treatment options and existing options have a high treatment burden, including frequent dosing," said Dr. Peter Voorhees, clinical professor of medicine, director of plasma cell disorders, Atrium Health Levine Cancer Institute. "The CERVINO Phase 3 trial is designed to evaluate the efficacy of ABBV-383 with monthly dosing and we look forward to seeing the data as it emerges."
Multiple myeloma is a blood cancer characterized by abnormal proliferation of plasma cells, which can cause end-organ damage and is the second most commonly occurring blood cancer in the world.2 An estimated 176,000 people globally were diagnosed with multiple myeloma in 2020, and 117,000 people died from the disease.3
"The start of the CERVINO Phase 3 trial marks an important step forward in AbbVie's continued commitment to advance new oncology treatments and elevate the standard of care for blood cancer patients," said Mariana Cota Stirner, M.D., vice president, therapeutic area head oncology, hematology, AbbVie. "ABBV-383 is being evaluated with monthly dosing from the beginning of treatment, with the goal of maximizing treatment simplicity for physicians and patients, if proven in the clinical trials."
About the CERVINO Study
CERVINO (NCT06158841) is a global, Phase 3, multicenter, randomized, open-label, parallel-group study evaluating ABBV-383 in adult patients (≥18 years) with r/r MM and an Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group performance status ≤2 who received at least two prior lines of therapy, including exposure to a PI, an IMiD, and an anti-CD38 mAb. Patients who received prior BCMA-targeted therapy will be excluded. Patients will be randomized 1:1 to receive intravenous ABBV-383 60mg Q4W or the investigator's choice of SAT (carfilzomib + dexamethasone, elotuzumab + pomalidomide + dexamethasone, or selinexor + bortezomib + dexamethasone), and will continue treatment until confirmed progressive disease or other discontinuation criteria are met.
The dual primary end points are progression-free survival and overall response rate. Secondary end points include overall survival, complete response (CR) or better, very good partial response or better, rate of minimum residual disease negativity, and change in disease symptoms and physical functioning.
Approximately 140 sites globally will enroll approximately 380 total patients.
Additional information about the study can be found at https://clinicaltrials.gov/ under the identifier NCT06158841.
About ABBV-383
ABBV-383 is an investigational distinctive BCMA x CD3 bispecific antibody T-cell engager composed of bivalent high-avidity BCMA-binding domains, a low-affinity CD3-binding domain designed to reduce cytokine release, and a silenced Fc tail designed for an extended half-life that may support once every 4-week (Q4W) dosing. Clinical relevance of these structure activity relationships has not been established.
BCMA is highly expressed on the surface of malignant plasma cells in multiple myeloma, making it an ideal target for therapy. BCMA plays a crucial role in the survival of myeloma cells by promoting their growth and inhibiting their apoptosis (programmed cell death).4
About AbbVie in Oncology
At AbbVie, we are committed to transforming standards of care for patients living with difficult-to-treat cancers. We are advancing a dynamic pipeline of investigational therapies across a range of cancer types in both blood cancers and solid tumors. We are focusing on creating targeted medicines that either impede the reproduction of cancer cells or enable their elimination. We achieve this through various, targeted treatment modalities including Antibody Drug Conjugates (ADCs), Immuno-Oncology, and bi-specific and CAR-T platforms. Our dedicated and experienced team joins forces with innovative partners to accelerate the delivery of potential breakthrough medicines.
Today, our expansive oncology portfolio is comprised of approved and investigational treatments for a wide range of blood and solid tumors. We are evaluating more than 20 investigational medicines across some of the world's most widespread and debilitating cancers. As we work to have a remarkable impact on people's lives, we are committed to exploring solutions to help patients obtain access to our cancer medicines. For more information, please visit us at http://www.abbvie.com/oncology.
About AbbVie
AbbVie's mission is to discover and deliver innovative medicines and solutions that solve serious health issues today and address the medical challenges of tomorrow. We strive to have a remarkable impact on people's lives across several key therapeutic areas – immunology, oncology, neuroscience, and eye care – and products and services in our Allergan Aesthetics portfolio. For more information about AbbVie, please visit us at www.abbvie.com. Follow @abbvie on LinkedIn, Facebook, Instagram, X (formerly Twitter), and YouTube.
Forward-Looking Statements
Some statements in this news release are, or may be considered, forward-looking statements for purposes of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. The words "believe," "expect," "anticipate," "project" and similar expressions and uses of future or conditional verbs, generally identify forward-looking statements. AbbVie cautions that these forward-looking statements are subject to risks and uncertainties that may cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed or implied in the forward-looking statements. Such risks and uncertainties include, but are not limited to, challenges to intellectual property, competition from other products, difficulties inherent in the research and development process, adverse litigation or government action, and changes to laws and regulations applicable to our industry. Additional information about the economic, competitive, governmental, technological and other factors that may affect AbbVie's operations is set forth in Item 1A, "Risk Factors," of AbbVie's 2023 Annual Report on Form 10-K, which has been filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission, as updated by its subsequent Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q. AbbVie undertakes no obligation, and specifically declines, to release publicly any revisions to forward-looking statements as a result of subsequent events or developments, except as required by law.
1 Foureau DM, Bhutani M, Robinson M, et al: Ex vivo efficacy of BCMA-bispecific antibody TNB-383B in relapsed/refractory multiple myeloma. EJHaem 1:113-121, 2020
2 International Myeloma Foundation. What is Multiple Myeloma? https://www.myeloma.org/what-is-multiple-myeloma
3 Cancer.Net. Multiple Myeloma: Statistics. https://www.cancer.net/cancer-types/multiple-myeloma/statistics.
4 Cho SF, Anderson KC, Tai YT: Targeting B Cell Maturation Antigen (BCMA) in Multiple Myeloma: Potential Uses of BCMA-Based Immunotherapy. Front Immunol 9:1821, 2018
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