AbbVie Showcases Robust Solid Tumor Pipeline at ASCO 2024 with New Data from Its Innovative Antibody-Drug Conjugate (ADC) Platform

Rhea-AI Summary

AbbVie has announced new data from its innovative antibody-drug conjugate (ADC) platform, which will be showcased across three oral presentations at the ASCO 2024 Annual Meeting. Key highlights include:

1. Phase 1 study of ABBV-400 in metastatic colorectal cancer (CRC) showing promising antitumor activity with an objective response rate (ORR) of up to 24% in heavily pre-treated patients.

2. First-in-human study of ABBV-706 in small cell lung cancer (SCLC) and high-grade neuroendocrine neoplasms (NENs), demonstrating an ORR of 43.8% overall and 60.9% in the SCLC group.

3. Phase 2 LUMINOSITY trial data for Telisotuzumab vedotin (Teliso-V) in advanced non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), previously treated and c-Met-overexpressing.

The ADCs target unique protein biomarkers like c-Met and SEZ6, delivering potent cancer cell death-inducing agents to tumors. Additional data will be presented on the safety and efficacy of these treatments.

Positive

• ABBV-400 showed promising antitumor activity in heavily pre-treated metastatic colorectal cancer patients with an ORR of up to 24%.
• In the Phase 1 study, ABBV-706 demonstrated a 43.8% overall ORR in advanced solid tumors and a 60.9% ORR in the SCLC group.
• Telisotuzumab vedotin (Teliso-V) showed positive results in the Phase 2 LUMINOSITY trial for c-Met-overexpressing NSCLC.
• The ADC platform targets unique biomarkers, potentially offering breakthrough treatments for difficult-to-treat tumors.

Negative

• In the ABBV-400 study, 25 (20.5%) patients experienced treatment-emergent adverse events (TEAEs) leading to discontinuation.
• Common Grade ≥3 TEAEs for ABBV-400 included anemia (35%), neutropenia (7%), and febrile neutropenia (6%).
• For ABBV-706, common Grade ≥3 TEAEs included neutropenia (42%), anemia (42%), and leukopenia (28%).
• The reported ORR of 24% for ABBV-400, though promising, indicates that a majority of patients did not respond to treatment.

Insights

Oncology Doctor

AbbVie's recent presentations at ASCO 2024 highlight significant progress in their antibody-drug conjugate (ADC) platform. One of the most compelling aspects is the data from the Phase 1 study of ABBV-400, which shows promising antitumor activity in heavily pre-treated metastatic colorectal cancer patients. This is particularly noteworthy because CRC patients often have poor prognosis, especially when c-Met overexpression is present. The observed objective response rates (ORR) of up to 35% in those with higher c-Met expression could be indicative of a major advancement in targeted cancer therapy. This suggests a potential niche for ABBV-400 in treating advanced CRC, which currently lacks effective targeted therapies for c-Met overexpression.

However, the treatment-emergent adverse events (TEAEs), such as anemia, neutropenia and febrile neutropenia, need careful management, since these could impact patient quality of life. The discontinuation rate of 20.5% due to TEAEs is also a critical factor to monitor in future studies. Overall, the preliminary data support further clinical exploration but emphasize the need for balancing efficacy with tolerability.

Medical Research Analyst

The Phase 1 data for ABBV-706 in small cell lung cancer (SCLC) and high-grade neuroendocrine neoplasms (NENs) show a significant objective response rate of 43.8% overall, with a remarkable 60.9% ORR in the SCLC subgroup. These figures are promising considering that SCLC is typically aggressive and has limited treatment options. The Topoisomerase 1 inhibitor (Top1i) payload used in both ABBV-400 and ABBV-706 represents a strategic approach to interrupt DNA replication specifically in cancer cells expressing the targeted proteins, thereby minimizing off-target effects.

However, the high incidence of serious TEAEs like neutropenia (42%), anemia (42%) and leukopenia (28%) indicates a need for close monitoring and perhaps supportive treatments to manage these side effects. The usage of Top1i payload is indeed innovative, but its safety profile must be carefully considered as AbbVie moves forward. Long-term data and combination strategies might reveal a more comprehensive safety and efficacy profile.

Market Research Analyst

From an investor's perspective, the presentations at ASCO 2024 by AbbVie demonstrate the company's ongoing commitment to innovation within oncology. The showcased data, particularly for advanced solid tumors using their proprietary ADC platform, could position AbbVie as a leader in this therapeutic area. The development of potential first-in-class and best-in-class ADCs targeting specific biomarkers like c-Met and SEZ6 addresses significant unmet needs in oncology, potentially leading to strong market differentiation and commercial success.

However, investors should also be mindful of the clinical trial progress and the ability to manage adverse events effectively. The market for ADCs is competitive and characterized by high research and development costs. Hence, AbbVie's ability to navigate these challenges while maintaining a robust pipeline will be important for its long-term financial performance. Continuous updates and clear communication regarding clinical trial milestones will be critical for maintaining investor confidence.

• New safety and efficacy data in heavily pre-treated patients with metastatic colorectal cancer (CRC), from a Phase 1 study of ABBV-400, a next-generation, potential best-in-class c-Met directed ADC.
• Data from a first-in-human study of ABBV-706, a potential best-in-class SEZ6 directed ADC, in small cell lung cancer (SCLC), high-grade central nervous system (CNS) tumors and high-grade neuroendocrine neoplasms (NENs).
• Data from the primary analysis of the Phase 2 LUMINOSITY trial evaluating Telisotuzumab vedotin (Teliso-V), a potential first-in-class c-Met directed ADC, in advanced non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC).
  

NORTH CHICAGO, Ill., May 28, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- AbbVie (NYSE: ABBV) today announced that new data from its innovative antibody-drug conjugate (ADC) platform will be showcased across three oral presentations at the upcoming American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) Annual Meeting (May 31 - June 4, 2024). AbbVie's ADCs are designed to target unique protein biomarkers such as c-Met (MET protein) and SEZ6 (seizure-related homolog 6 protein), which are over-expressed across various tumor types. By utilizing these biomarkers as targets, ADCs are designed to deliver potent cancer cell death-inducing agents called 'payloads' to the tumor.

"Building upon our strong commitment to patients and existing leadership in hematological malignancies, we are rapidly advancing a differentiated pipeline in solid tumors," said Daejin Abidoye, M.D., vice president, head of solid tumors, oncology development, AbbVie. "Our ADC platform allows us to utilize selected biomarkers such as c-Met and SEZ6 to induce targeted cancer cell death by delivering potent anti-cancer agents. The data we are presenting at ASCO demonstrate the clinical potential of this approach across a wide range of difficult-to-treat tumors."

Data from the dose-escalation and colorectal cancer (CRC) dose-expansion cohort of an ongoing first-in-human Phase 1 study (NCT05029882) of ABBV-400, a potential best-in-class c-Met directed ADC, will be presented in an oral presentation. The preliminary data show that among 122 heavily pre-treated advanced CRC patients, promising antitumor activity was observed at 2.4 and 3.0 mg/kg doses administered once every 3 weeks, with confirmed objective response rate (ORR) of 18% (n=40) and 24% (n=41) respectively in those groups. In patients with higher c-Met expression, ORR was enriched to >35% at doses ≥2.4 mg/kg. The most common Gr≥3 treatment-emergent adverse events (TEAEs) were anemia (35%), neutropenia (7%) and febrile neutropenia (6%). TEAEs leading to discontinuation occurred in 25 (20.5%) patients. Additional data will be presented at the meeting.

ABBV-400 is also being evaluated in a Phase 1b basket study (NCT06084481) in advanced solid tumors as a monotherapy and a Phase 2 study (NCT06107413) in second line metastatic CRC in combination with fluorouracil, folinic acid, and bevacizumab.

"c-Met overexpression, found in the majority of patients with metastatic CRC, has been reported to be associated with poor prognosis. However, there are no approved therapies specific for c-Met–overexpressing CRCs, making it an attractive cancer biomarker to target," said Manish Sharma, M.D., Co-Director of Clinical Research at START Midwest (Grand Rapids, MI) and Principal Investigator on the ABBV-400 trial. "Results from this Phase 1 study show preliminary evidence of efficacy for ABBV-400 in patients with heavily pre-treated colorectal cancer and are supportive of further exploration of this novel ADC in CRC and other solid tumors".

In addition, early data from the monotherapy dose escalation part of a first-in-human study of ABBV-706, a potential best-in-class SEZ6 directed ADC, will be presented at an oral presentation. The data demonstrate that among a total of 48 efficacy-evaluable patients (23 SCLC and 25 NEN), the overall confirmed objective response rate was 43.8%. Within the SCLC group, the confirmed objective response rate was 60.9%. Among all the 53 enrolled patients at the time of data cut-off, the most common ≥3 TEAEs were neutropenia (42%), anemia (42%), and leukopenia (28%). The ongoing study (NCT05599984) is evaluating ABBV-706 as monotherapy or in combination with budigalimab (a programmed cell death 1 inhibitor), carboplatin, or cisplatin, in patients with advanced solid tumors, including SCLC and other NENs. Additional data will be presented at the meeting.

Both ABBV-400 and ABBV-706 utilize a novel, AbbVie proprietary topoisomerase 1 inhibitor (Top1i) payload. Top1i is an anticancer agent that induces cell death by interrupting DNA replication. ABBV-400 and ABBV-706 are designed to specifically deliver Top1i to cells expressing c-Met and SEZ6 respectively.

AbbVie will also present data from the primary analysis of the Phase 2 LUMINOSITY non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) trial evaluating telisotuzumab vedotin (Teliso-V), a potential first-in-class c-Met directed ADC utilizing a microtubule polymerization inhibitor, monomethyl auristatin E (MMAE) payload, in patients with previously treated c-Met-overexpressing, non-squamous, epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) wild type, advanced NSCLC. AbbVie previously announced positive topline results from the study in November 2023.

Other presentations from AbbVie's ADC platform include safety and efficacy data in an older population (≥ 65) from the Phase 3 MIRASOL trial of mirvetuximab soravtansine (MIRV) vs investigator's choice chemotherapy in patients with platinum-resistant ovarian cancer (PROC) and high folate receptor-alpha (FRα) expression, and a retrospective, exploratory pooled analysis characterizing long-term survivors from four clinical trials examining patients with folate receptor alpha-positive recurrent ovarian cancer treated with MIRV monotherapy.

Further information on AbbVie clinical trials is available at https://www.clinicaltrials.gov/. 

Additional details on oral presentations at ASCO are available below:

Title	Date/Time	Session	Abstract number
First-in-human study of ABBV-706, a seizure-related homolog protein 6 (SEZ6)–targeting antibody-drug conjugate (ADC), in patients (pts) with advanced solid tumors.	1 June, 3:12 PM CDT	Developmental Therapeutics— Molecularly Targeted Agents and Tumor Biology  Oral Abstract Session	Abstract: 3001
Telisotuzumab vedotin monotherapy in patients with previously treated c-Met– overexpressing non- squamous EGFR wildtype advanced NSCLC: Primary analysis of the LUMINOSITY trial.	2 June, 10:01 AM CDT	Next-Generation Antibody–Drug Conjugates: The Revolution Continues Clinical Science Symposium	Abstract: 103
First-in-human study of ABBV-400, a novel c-Met–targeting antibody-drug conjugate, in advanced solid tumors: Results in colorectal cancer.	3 June, 2:15 PM CDT	Gastrointestinal Cancer—Colorectal and Anal Rapid Oral Abstract  Session	Abstract: 3515

ABOUT ELAHERE® (mirvetuximab soravtansine-gynx) 
ELAHERE is a first-in-class ADC comprising a folate receptor alpha-binding antibody, cleavable linker, and the maytansinoid payload DM4, a potent tubulin inhibitor designed to kill the targeted cancer cells. Patients requiring access support may call 1-833-ELAHERE or visit www.elahere.com.

The Marketing Authorization Application (MAA) for ELAHERE in Europe has been accepted by the European Medicines Agency (EMA). Regulatory submissions for ELAHERE are also under review in multiple other countries.

INDICATION
ELAHERE is indicated for the treatment of adult patients with folate receptor-alpha (FRα) positive, platinum-resistant epithelial ovarian, fallopian tube, or primary peritoneal cancer, who have received one to three prior systemic treatment regimens. Select patients for therapy based on an FDA-approved test.

IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION

WARNING: OCULAR TOXICITY

• ELAHERE can cause severe ocular toxicities, including visual impairment, keratopathy, dry eye, photophobia, eye pain, and uveitis.
• Conduct an ophthalmic exam including visual acuity and slit lamp exam prior to initiation of ELAHERE, every other cycle for the first 8 cycles, and as clinically indicated.
• Administer prophylactic artificial tears and ophthalmic topical steroids.
• Withhold ELAHERE for ocular toxicities until improvement and resume at the same or reduced dose.
• Discontinue ELAHERE for Grade 4 ocular toxicities.

WARNINGS and PRECAUTIONS
Ocular Disorders

ELAHERE can cause severe ocular adverse reactions, including visual impairment, keratopathy (corneal disorders), dry eye, photophobia, eye pain, and uveitis.

Ocular adverse reactions occurred in 59% of patients with ovarian cancer treated with ELAHERE. Eleven percent (11%) of patients experienced Grade 3 ocular adverse reactions, including blurred vision, keratopathy (corneal disorders), dry eye, cataract, photophobia, and eye pain; two patients (0.3%) experienced Grade 4 events (keratopathy and cataract). The most common (≥5%) ocular adverse reactions were blurred vision (48%), keratopathy (36%), dry eye (27%), cataract (16%), photophobia (14%), and eye pain (10%). 

The median time to onset for first ocular adverse reaction was 5.1 weeks (range: 0.1 to 68.6). Of the patients who experienced ocular events, 53% had complete resolution; 38% had partial improvement (defined as a decrease in severity by one or more grades from the worst grade at last follow up). Ocular adverse reactions led to permanent discontinuation of ELAHERE in 1% of patients. 

Premedication and use of lubricating and ophthalmic topical steroid eye drops during treatment with ELAHERE are recommended. Advise patients to avoid use of contact lenses during treatment with ELAHERE unless directed by a healthcare provider. 

Refer patients to an eye care professional for an ophthalmic exam including visual acuity and slit lamp exam prior to treatment initiation, every other cycle for the first 8 cycles, and as clinically indicated. Promptly refer patients to an eye care professional for any new or worsening ocular signs and symptoms.

Monitor for ocular toxicity and withhold, reduce, or permanently discontinue ELAHERE based on severity and persistence of ocular adverse reactions.

Pneumonitis

Severe, life-threatening, or fatal interstitial lung disease (ILD), including pneumonitis, can occur in patients treated with ELAHERE.

Pneumonitis occurred in 10% of patients treated with ELAHERE, including 1% with Grade 3 events and 1 patient (0.1%) with a Grade 4 event. One patient (0.1%) died due to respiratory failure in the setting of pneumonitis and lung metastases. One patient (0.1%) died due to respiratory failure of unknown etiology. Pneumonitis led to permanent discontinuation of ELAHERE in 3% of patients.

Monitor patients for pulmonary signs and symptoms of pneumonitis, which may include hypoxia, cough, dyspnea, or interstitial infiltrates on radiologic exams. Infectious, neoplastic, and other causes for such symptoms should be excluded through appropriate investigations. Withhold ELAHERE for patients who develop persistent or recurrent Grade 2 pneumonitis until symptoms resolve to ≤ Grade 1 and consider dose reduction. Permanently discontinue ELAHERE in all patients with Grade 3 or 4 pneumonitis. Patients who are asymptomatic may continue dosing of ELAHERE with close monitoring.

Peripheral Neuropathy (PN)

Peripheral neuropathy occurred in 36% of patients with ovarian cancer treated with ELAHERE across clinical trials; 3% of patients experienced Grade 3 peripheral neuropathy. Peripheral neuropathy adverse reactions included peripheral neuropathy (20%), peripheral sensory neuropathy (9%), paraesthesia (6%), neurotoxicity (3%), hypoaesthesia (1%), peripheral motor neuropathy (0.9%), polyneuropathy (0.3%), and peripheral sensorimotor neuropathy (0.1%). Monitor patients for signs and symptoms of neuropathy, such as paresthesia, tingling or a burning sensation, neuropathic pain, muscle weakness, or dysesthesia.  For patients experiencing new or worsening PN, withhold dosage, dose reduce, or permanently discontinue ELAHERE based on the severity of PN.

Embryo-Fetal Toxicity

Based on its mechanism of action, ELAHERE can cause embryo-fetal harm when administered to a pregnant woman because it contains a genotoxic compound (DM4) and affects actively dividing cells.

Advise pregnant women of the potential risk to a fetus. Advise females of reproductive potential to use effective contraception during treatment with ELAHERE and for 7 months after the last dose.

ADVERSE REACTIONS

The most common (≥20 %) adverse reactions, including lab abnormalities, were increased aspartate aminotransferase, fatigue, increased alanine aminotransferase, blurred vision, nausea, increased alkaline phosphatase, diarrhea, abdominal pain, keratopathy, peripheral neuropathy, musculoskeletal pain, decreased lymphocytes, decreased platelets, decreased magnesium, decreased hemoglobin, dry eye, constipation, decreased leukocytes, vomiting, decreased albumin, decreased appetite, and decreased neutrophils.

DRUG INTERACTIONS

DM4 is a CYP3A4 substrate. Closely monitor patients for adverse reactions with ELAHERE when used concomitantly with strong CYP3A4 inhibitors. 

USE IN SPECIAL POPULATIONS

Lactation
Advise women not to breastfeed during treatment with ELAHERE and for 1 month after the last dose.

Hepatic Impairment
Avoid use of ELAHERE in patients with moderate or severe hepatic impairment (total bilirubin >1.5 ULN).

Please see full Prescribing Information, including BOXED WARNING

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, bi-specific antibody 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 comprises of approved and investigational treatments for a wide range of blood and solid tumors. We are evaluating more than 20 investigational medicines in multiple clinical trials 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 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 2022 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.

 

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SOURCE AbbVie

FAQ

What are the results of the Phase 1 study of ABBV-400 in metastatic colorectal cancer (CRC)?

The Phase 1 study of ABBV-400 in metastatic CRC showed an objective response rate (ORR) of 18% at a 2.4 mg/kg dose and 24% at a 3.0 mg/kg dose in heavily pre-treated patients.

What is the objective response rate (ORR) for ABBV-706 in the first-in-human study?

The first-in-human study of ABBV-706 showed an overall ORR of 43.8% in patients with advanced solid tumors and an ORR of 60.9% in the small cell lung cancer (SCLC) group.

What data will AbbVie present from the Phase 2 LUMINOSITY trial?

AbbVie will present data from the Phase 2 LUMINOSITY trial evaluating Telisotuzumab vedotin (Teliso-V) in advanced non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) patients who are c-Met-overexpressing.

What are the common Grade ≥3 treatment-emergent adverse events (TEAEs) for ABBV-400?

The common Grade ≥3 TEAEs for ABBV-400 included anemia (35%), neutropenia (7%), and febrile neutropenia (6%).

How does AbbVie's ADC platform target cancer cells?

AbbVie's ADC platform targets unique protein biomarkers like c-Met and SEZ6 to deliver potent cancer cell death-inducing agents directly to the tumor.

What is the significance of the c-Met biomarker in cancer treatment?

The c-Met biomarker, overexpressed in many metastatic CRC cases, is associated with poor prognosis, making it a valuable target for cancer treatment.