Fixed-duration CALQUENCE® (acalabrutinib) plus venetoclax, with or without obinutuzumab, significantly improved progression-free survival in 1st-line chronic lymphocytic leukemia in AMPLIFY Phase III trial

Rhea-AI Summary

AstraZeneca's CALQUENCE® (acalabrutinib) in combination with venetoclax, with or without obinutuzumab, has shown significant improvement in progression-free survival compared to standard chemoimmunotherapy in previously untreated chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) patients. The AMPLIFY Phase III trial also demonstrated a favorable trend in overall survival. CLL, the most common adult leukemia, affects approximately 40,000 first-line patients annually. The trial results suggest CALQUENCE's potential as both a treat-to-progression and fixed-duration treatment, offering more options for patients and healthcare providers. The safety profile was consistent with known data, showing low rates of cardiac toxicity. These findings reinforce AstraZeneca's leadership in CLL treatment advancements.

Positive

• Statistically significant improvement in progression-free survival for CALQUENCE combination therapy
• Favorable trend observed in overall survival
• Potential for CALQUENCE to be used as both treat-to-progression and fixed-duration treatment
• Low rates of cardiac toxicity observed
• Safety and tolerability consistent with known safety profile of each medicine

Negative

• Overall survival data not mature at the time of analysis

Insights

Medical Research Analyst

The AMPLIFY Phase III trial results for CALQUENCE® (acalabrutinib) in combination with venetoclax, with or without obinutuzumab, represent a significant advancement in chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) treatment. The study demonstrated a statistically significant and clinically meaningful improvement in progression-free survival (PFS) compared to standard chemoimmunotherapy in previously untreated CLL patients.

Key points to consider:

• The fixed-duration regimen showed promise, potentially allowing patients to take breaks from treatment, which could reduce long-term adverse events and drug resistance.
• A favorable trend in overall survival was observed, though data were not mature at the time of analysis.
• The safety profile was consistent with known profiles of the individual medicines, with low rates of cardiac toxicity - a important factor for CLL patients who are often older and may have comorbidities.
• If approved, CALQUENCE would become the only second-generation BTK inhibitor available as both a treat-to-progression and fixed-duration treatment, offering more flexibility for patients and healthcare providers.

From an investor's perspective, these results could potentially expand CALQUENCE's market share in the competitive CLL treatment landscape. However, it's important to note that full approval will depend on further data and regulatory review.

Financial Analyst

The positive results from the AMPLIFY Phase III trial for CALQUENCE® could have significant financial implications for AstraZeneca:

• Market Expansion: If approved for this new combination therapy, CALQUENCE could capture a larger share of the CLL market, which is substantial with approximately 40,000 first-line patients treated annually.
• Competitive Advantage: Being potentially the only second-generation BTK inhibitor available as both a treat-to-progression and fixed-duration treatment could differentiate CALQUENCE from competitors, potentially driving increased adoption and sales.
• Revenue Growth: Expanded indications and treatment options could lead to increased prescriptions and revenue. In 2023, CALQUENCE generated 2.17 billion in global revenue, up 20% from the previous year.
• R&D Investment Payoff: These results validate AstraZeneca's investment in oncology R&D, particularly in hematology, which could boost investor confidence in the company's pipeline and strategy.

However, investors should consider:

• Regulatory approval is still pending and full data presentation is yet to come.
• The competitive landscape in CLL treatment is intense, with other major players also developing new therapies.
• Pricing and reimbursement negotiations will be important for market access and profitability.

Overall, this news is likely to be viewed positively by the market, potentially supporting AstraZeneca's stock performance in the near term.

Favorable trend in overall survival was also observed

WILMINGTON, Del.--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Positive high-level results from an interim analysis of the AMPLIFY Phase III trial showed a fixed duration of AstraZeneca’s CALQUENCE^® (acalabrutinib) in combination with venetoclax, with or without obinutuzumab, demonstrated a statistically significant and clinically meaningful improvement in progression-free survival (PFS) compared to standard-of-care chemoimmunotherapy in previously untreated adult patients with chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL).

For the secondary endpoint of overall survival (OS), a trend was observed in favor of CALQUENCE in combination with venetoclax, with or without obinutuzumab, versus standard-of-care chemoimmunotherapy. The OS data were not mature at the time of this analysis and the trial will continue to assess OS as a key secondary endpoint.

CLL is caused by the abnormal production of white blood cells and is the most prevalent type of leukemia in adults worldwide, with numbers anticipated to grow.^1-3 In the first-line setting, approximately 40,000 patients are treated with the current standard of care.⁴ Although CLL is considered an incurable cancer, patients often live with the disease for many years, and may remain on continuous treatment.⁵

Jennifer R. Brown, MD, PhD, Director of the CLL Center of the Division of Hematologic Malignancies, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, and the Worthington and Margaret Collette Professor of Medicine at Harvard Medical School, and principal investigator of the trial, said: “The AMPLIFY results demonstrate the potential of acalabrutinib and venetoclax with or without obinutuzumab to be effective and well-tolerated fixed-duration treatment options for patients with chronic lymphocytic leukemia. This is an important advance in this setting as fixed-duration regimens allow those living with this chronic disease to take breaks from their treatment, thereby decreasing the possibility of long-term adverse events and drug resistance and improving quality of life.”

Susan Galbraith, Executive Vice President, Oncology R&D, AstraZeneca, said: “The progression-free survival and overall survival results from the AMPLIFY Phase III trial demonstrate the potential of including a BTK inhibitor in a fixed-duration regimen and reinforce our leadership in advancing science for patients with chronic lymphocytic leukemia. If approved, CALQUENCE would become the only second-generation BTK inhibitor available as both a treat-to-progression and fixed-duration treatment, providing more options for patients and their healthcare providers.”

The safety and tolerability were consistent with the known safety profile of each medicine. No new safety signals were identified, with low rates of cardiac toxicity observed.

The data will be presented at a forthcoming medical meeting and shared with global regulatory authorities.

INDICATIONS AND USAGE

CALQUENCE is a Bruton tyrosine kinase (BTK) inhibitor indicated for the treatment of adult patients with mantle cell lymphoma (MCL) who have received at least one prior therapy.

This indication is approved under accelerated approval based on overall response rate. Continued approval for this indication may be contingent upon verification and description of clinical benefit in confirmatory trials.

CALQUENCE is also indicated for the treatment of adult patients with chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) or small lymphocytic lymphoma (SLL).

IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION ABOUT CALQUENCE^® (acalabrutinib) tablets

Serious and Opportunistic Infections

Fatal and serious infections, including opportunistic infections, have occurred in patients with hematologic malignancies treated with CALQUENCE.

Serious or Grade 3 or higher infections (bacterial, viral, or fungal) occurred in 19% of 1029 patients exposed to CALQUENCE in clinical trials, most often due to respiratory tract infections (11% of all patients, including pneumonia in 6%). These infections predominantly occurred in the absence of Grade 3 or 4 neutropenia, with neutropenic infection reported in 1.9% of all patients. Opportunistic infections in recipients of CALQUENCE have included, but are not limited to, hepatitis B virus reactivation, fungal pneumonia, Pneumocystis jirovecii pneumonia, Epstein-Barr virus reactivation, cytomegalovirus, and progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy (PML). Consider prophylaxis in patients who are at increased risk for opportunistic infections. Monitor patients for signs and symptoms of infection and treat promptly.

Hemorrhage

Fatal and serious hemorrhagic events have occurred in patients with hematologic malignancies treated with CALQUENCE. Major hemorrhage (serious or Grade 3 or higher bleeding or any central nervous system bleeding) occurred in 3.0% of patients, with fatal hemorrhage occurring in 0.1% of 1029 patients exposed to CALQUENCE in clinical trials. Bleeding events of any grade, excluding bruising and petechiae, occurred in 22% of patients.

Use of antithrombotic agents concomitantly with CALQUENCE may further increase the risk of hemorrhage. In clinical trials, major hemorrhage occurred in 2.7% of patients taking CALQUENCE without antithrombotic agents and 3.6% of patients taking CALQUENCE with antithrombotic agents. Consider the risks and benefits of antithrombotic agents when co-administered with CALQUENCE. Monitor patients for signs of bleeding.

Consider the benefit-risk of withholding CALQUENCE for 3-7 days pre- and post-surgery depending upon the type of surgery and the risk of bleeding.

Cytopenias

Grade 3 or 4 cytopenias, including neutropenia (23%), anemia (8%), thrombocytopenia (7%), and lymphopenia (7%), developed in patients with hematologic malignancies treated with CALQUENCE. Grade 4 neutropenia developed in 12% of patients. Monitor complete blood counts regularly during treatment. Interrupt treatment, reduce the dose, or discontinue treatment as warranted.

Second Primary Malignancies

Second primary malignancies, including skin cancers and other solid tumors, occurred in 12% of 1029 patients exposed to CALQUENCE in clinical trials. The most frequent second primary malignancy was skin cancer, reported in 6% of patients. Monitor patients for skin cancers and advise protection from sun exposure.

Cardiac Arrhythmias

Serious cardiac arrhythmias have occurred in patients treated with CALQUENCE. Grade 3 atrial fibrillation or flutter occurred in 1.1% of 1029 patients treated with CALQUENCE, with all grades of atrial fibrillation or flutter reported in 4.1% of all patients. Grade 3 or higher ventricular arrhythmia events were reported in 0.9% of patients. The risk may be increased in patients with cardiac risk factors, hypertension, previous arrhythmias, and acute infection. Monitor for symptoms of arrhythmia (eg, palpitations, dizziness, syncope, dyspnea) and manage as appropriate.

Hepatotoxicity, Including Drug-Induced Liver Injury

Hepatotoxicity, including severe, life-threatening, and potentially fatal cases of drug-induced liver injury (DILI), has occurred in patients treated with Bruton tyrosine kinase inhibitors, including CALQUENCE.

Evaluate bilirubin and transaminases at baseline and throughout treatment with CALQUENCE. For patients who develop abnormal liver tests after CALQUENCE, monitor more frequently for liver test abnormalities and clinical signs and symptoms of hepatic toxicity. If DILI is suspected, withhold CALQUENCE. Upon confirmation of DILI, discontinue CALQUENCE.

ADVERSE REACTIONS

The most common adverse reactions (≥20%) of any grade in patients with relapsed or refractory MCL were anemia,* thrombocytopenia,* headache (39%), neutropenia,* diarrhea (31%), fatigue (28%), myalgia (21%), and bruising (21%). The most common Grade ≥3 non-hematological adverse reaction (reported in at least 2% of patients) was diarrhea (3.2%).

*Treatment-emergent decreases (all grades) of hemoglobin (46%), platelets (44%), and neutrophils (36%) were based on laboratory measurements and adverse reactions.

Dose reductions or discontinuations due to any adverse reaction were reported in 1.6% and 6.5% of patients, respectively. Increases in creatinine to 1.5 to 3 times the upper limit of normal (ULN) occurred in 4.8% of patients.

The most common adverse reactions (≥30%) of any grade in patients with CLL were anemia,* neutropenia,* thrombocytopenia,* headache, upper respiratory tract infection, and diarrhea.

*Treatment-emergent decreases (all grades) of hemoglobin, platelets, and neutrophils were based on laboratory measurements and adverse reactions.

In patients with previously untreated CLL exposed to CALQUENCE, fatal adverse reactions that occurred in the absence of disease progression and with onset within 30 days of the last study treatment were reported in 2% for each treatment arm, most often from infection. Serious adverse reactions were reported in 39% of patients in the CALQUENCE plus obinutuzumab arm and 32% in the CALQUENCE monotherapy arm, most often due to events of pneumonia (7% and 2.8%, respectively).

Adverse reactions led to CALQUENCE dose reduction in 7% and 4% of patients in the CALQUENCE plus obinutuzumab arm (N=178) and CALQUENCE monotherapy arm (N=179), respectively. Adverse events led to discontinuation in 11% and 10% of patients, respectively. Increases in creatinine to 1.5 to 3 times ULN occurred in 3.9% and 2.8% of patients in the CALQUENCE combination arm and monotherapy arm, respectively.

In patients with relapsed/refractory CLL exposed to CALQUENCE, serious adverse reactions occurred in 29% of patients. Serious adverse reactions in >5% of patients who received CALQUENCE included lower respiratory tract infection (6%). Fatal adverse reactions within 30 days of the last dose of CALQUENCE occurred in 2.6% of patients, including from second primary malignancies and infection.

Adverse reactions led to CALQUENCE dose reduction in 3.9% of patients (N=154), dose interruptions in 34% of patients, most often due to respiratory tract infections followed by neutropenia, and discontinuation in 10% of patients, most frequently due to second primary malignancies followed by infection. Increases in creatinine to 1.5 to 3 times ULN occurred in 1.3% of patients who received CALQUENCE.

DRUG INTERACTIONS

Strong CYP3A Inhibitors: Avoid co-administration of CALQUENCE with a strong CYP3A inhibitor. If these inhibitors will be used short-term, interrupt CALQUENCE. After discontinuation of strong CYP3A inhibitor for at least 24 hours, resume previous dosage of CALQUENCE.

Moderate CYP3A Inhibitors: Reduce the dosage of CALQUENCE to 100 mg once daily when co-administered with a moderate CYP3A inhibitor.

Strong CYP3A Inducers: Avoid co-administration of CALQUENCE with a strong CYP3A inducer. If co-administration is unavoidable, increase the dosage of CALQUENCE to 200 mg approximately every 12 hours.

SPECIFIC POPULATIONS

Based on findings in animals, CALQUENCE may cause fetal harm and dystocia when administered to a pregnant woman. There are no available data in pregnant women to inform the drug-associated risk. Advise pregnant women of the potential risk to a fetus.

Pregnancy testing is recommended for females of reproductive potential prior to initiating CALQUENCE therapy. Advise female patients of reproductive potential to use effective contraception during treatment with CALQUENCE and for 1 week following the last dose of CALQUENCE.

It is not known if CALQUENCE is present in human milk. Advise lactating women not to breastfeed while taking CALQUENCE and for 2 weeks after the last dose.

Avoid use of CALQUENCE in patients with severe hepatic impairment (Child-Pugh class C). No dosage adjustment of CALQUENCE is recommended in patients with mild (Child-Pugh class A) or moderate (Child-Pugh class B) hepatic impairment.

Please see full Prescribing Information, including Patient Information.

Notes

CLL
In CLL, there is an accumulation of abnormal lymphocytes within the bone marrow and in blood and lymph nodes.¹ Although some people with CLL may not experience any symptoms at diagnosis, others may experience symptoms, such as weakness, fatigue, weight loss, chills, fever, night sweats, swollen lymph nodes and abdominal pain.⁶ As the number of abnormal cells increases, there is less room within the marrow for the production of normal white blood cells, red blood cells and platelets. This could result in anemia, infection and bleeding.¹ B-cell receptor signaling through BTK is one of the essential survival pathways for CLL.

AMPLIFY
AMPLIFY is a randomized, global, multi-center, open-label Phase III trial evaluating the efficacy and safety of CALQUENCE in combination with venetoclax with and without obinutuzumab compared to investigator's choice of chemoimmunotherapy in adult patients with previously untreated CLL without del(17p) or TP53 mutation.⁷ Patients were randomized 1:1:1 to receive either CALQUENCE in combination with venetoclax, CALQUENCE in combination with venetoclax plus obinutuzumab for a fixed duration or standard-of-care chemoimmunotherapy.⁷

The primary endpoint is PFS in the CALQUENCE and venetoclax arm as assessed by an Independent Review Committee (IRC) and PFS in this arm assessed by investigators (INV) is a key secondary endpoint. IRC and INV assessed PFS in the CALQUENCE, venetoclax and obinutuzumab arm as a key secondary endpoint. Other key secondary endpoints include OS, event-free survival, overall response rate, duration of response and time to next treatment.⁷ The trial includes 27 countries across North and South America, Europe, Asia and Oceania.⁷

The AMPLIFY trial enrolled patients from 2019 to 2021, continuing through the COVID-19 pandemic.⁷ Patients with blood cancer remain at a disproportionately high risk of severe outcomes from COVID-19, including hospitalization and death compared to the general population.⁸

CALQUENCE
CALQUENCE (acalabrutinib) is a second-generation, selective inhibitor of Bruton’s tyrosine kinase (BTK). CALQUENCE binds covalently to BTK, thereby inhibiting its activity.⁹ In B-cells, BTK signaling results in activation of pathways necessary for B-cell proliferation, trafficking, chemotaxis and adhesion.

CALQUENCE has been used to treat more than 80,000 patients worldwide¹⁰ and is approved for the treatment of CLL and small lymphocytic lymphoma (SLL) in the US and Japan, approved for CLL in the EU and many other countries worldwide and approved in China for relapsed or refractory CLL and SLL. CALQUENCE is also approved in the US, China and several other countries for the treatment of adult patients with mantle cell lymphoma (MCL) who have received at least one prior therapy. CALQUENCE is not currently approved for the treatment of MCL in Japan or the EU.

As part of an extensive clinical development program, CALQUENCE is currently being evaluated as a single treatment and in combination with standard-of-care chemoimmunotherapy for patients with multiple B-cell blood cancers, including CLL, MCL and diffuse large B-cell lymphoma.

AstraZeneca in hematology
AstraZeneca is pushing the boundaries of science to redefine care in hematology. Our goal is to help transform the lives of patients living with malignant, rare and other related hematologic diseases through innovative medicines and approaches that are shaped by insights from patients, caregivers and physicians.

In addition to our marketed products, we are spearheading the development of novel therapies designed to target underlying drivers of disease across six scientific platforms. Our recent acquisitions of Alexion, with expertise in rare, non-malignant blood disorders, and Gracell Biotechnologies Inc., focused on cell therapies for hematologic malignancies, expand our hematology pipeline and enable us to reach more patients with high unmet needs through the end-to-end development and delivery of novel therapies.

AstraZeneca in oncology
AstraZeneca is leading a revolution in oncology with the ambition to provide cures for cancer in every form, following the science to understand cancer and all its complexities to discover, develop and deliver life-changing medicines to patients.

The Company's focus is on some of the most challenging cancers. It is through persistent innovation that AstraZeneca has built one of the most diverse portfolios and pipelines in the industry, with the potential to catalyze changes in the practice of medicine and transform the patient experience.

AstraZeneca has the vision to redefine cancer care and, one day, eliminate cancer as a cause of death.

AstraZeneca
AstraZeneca is a global, science-led biopharmaceutical company that focuses on the discovery, development and commercialization of prescription medicines in Oncology, Rare Diseases and BioPharmaceuticals, including Cardiovascular, Renal & Metabolism, and Respiratory & Immunology. Based in Cambridge, UK, AstraZeneca operates in over 125 countries, and its innovative medicines are used by millions of patients worldwide. For more information, please visit www.astrazeneca-us.com and follow us on social media @AstraZeneca.

References

1. National Cancer Institute. Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia Treatment (PDQ®)–Patient Version: General Information About Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia. Available online. Accessed July 2024.
2. American Cancer Society. What is Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia? Available online. Accessed July 2024.
3. Jain N, et al. Prevalence and Economic Burden of Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia (CLL) in the Era of Oral Targeted Therapies. Blood. 2015;126(23):871.
4. Cerner CancerMPact and DRG databases. Reflects epidemiology estimates across G8 countries (Cerner CancerMPact for G7: US, EU, Japan; DRG database for China). Accessed July 2024.
5. American Cancer Society. After Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia Treatment. Available at: https://www.cancer.org/cancer/types/chronic-lymphocytic-leukemia/after-treatment/follow-up. Accessed July 2024.
6. American Cancer Society. Signs and Symptoms of Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia. Available online. Accessed July 2024.
7. ClinicalTrials.gov. Study of Acalabrutinib (ACP-196) in Combination With Venetoclax (ABT-199), With and Without Obinutuzumab (GA101) Versus Chemoimmunotherapy for Previously Untreated CLL (AMPLIFY). Available at: https://clinicaltrials.gov/study/NCT03836261. Accessed July 2024.
8. Dube S, et al. Continued Increased Risk of COVID-19 Hospitalisation and Death in Immunocompromised Individuals Despite Receipt of ≥4 Vaccine Doses: Updated 2023 Results from INFORM, a Retrospective Health Database Study in England. Poster P0409 at ECCMID 2024.
9. Wu J, Zhang M, Liu D. Acalabrutinib (ACP-196): a selective second-generation BTK inhibitor. J Hematol Oncol. 2016;9(21).
10. Data on File, REF-236261. AstraZeneca Pharmaceuticals LP.

 

US-92135 Last Updated 7/24

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20240729312862/en/

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Source: AstraZeneca

FAQ

What were the key results of the AMPLIFY Phase III trial for CALQUENCE (AZN)?

The AMPLIFY Phase III trial showed that CALQUENCE in combination with venetoclax, with or without obinutuzumab, significantly improved progression-free survival compared to standard chemoimmunotherapy in previously untreated CLL patients. A favorable trend in overall survival was also observed.

How does the AMPLIFY trial result impact treatment options for CLL patients?

The results suggest that CALQUENCE could become the only second-generation BTK inhibitor available as both a treat-to-progression and fixed-duration treatment, providing more options for CLL patients and their healthcare providers.

What was the safety profile of CALQUENCE in the AMPLIFY trial?

The safety and tolerability were consistent with the known safety profile of each medicine. No new safety signals were identified, and low rates of cardiac toxicity were observed.

When will AstraZeneca (AZN) present the full AMPLIFY trial data?

AstraZeneca plans to present the full AMPLIFY trial data at a forthcoming medical meeting and share the results with global regulatory authorities.