IMFINZI and IMJUDO with chemotherapy approved in the US for patients with metastatic non-small cell lung cancer
AstraZeneca's IMFINZI and IMJUDO combination therapy has received FDA approval for treating Stage IV non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) based on findings from the POSEIDON Phase III trial. This combination resulted in a 23% reduction in mortality risk and a 28% decrease in disease progression, with 33% of patients alive after two years compared to 22% in chemotherapy alone. The treatment shows potential for addressing unmet needs in a challenging patient population. Regulatory applications are pending in Europe and Japan, reflecting AstraZeneca's commitment to cancer treatment advancements.
- FDA approval for IMFINZI and IMJUDO combination therapy for Stage IV NSCLC.
- 23% reduction in risk of death compared to chemotherapy alone.
- 28% lower risk of disease progression or death than chemotherapy.
- Long-term survival benefits with 33% of patients alive at two years.
- Potential severe immune-mediated adverse reactions noted in clinical use.
Approval based on POSEIDON Phase III trial results, which showed significant survival benefit with a limited course of IMJUDO added to IMFINZI and chemotherapy
The approval by the
Updated results from the POSEIDON Phase III trial after approximately four years of follow-up presented at the
In the US, lung cancer is the second most commonly diagnosed cancer, with more than 236,000 patients expected to be diagnosed in 2022.1 For patients with metastatic NSCLC, prognosis is particularly poor, as only approximately
Regulatory applications are also currently under review in
IMFINZI is the only approved immunotherapy and the global standard of care in the curative-intent setting of unresectable, Stage III NSCLC in patients whose disease has not progressed after chemoradiation therapy based on the PACIFIC Phase III trial. IMFINZI is also approved in the US, the EU,
IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION
There are no contraindications for IMFINZI® (durvalumab) or IMJUDO® (tremelimumab-actl).
Severe and Fatal Immune-Mediated Adverse Reactions
Important immune-mediated adverse reactions listed under Warnings and Precautions may not include all possible severe and fatal immune-mediated reactions. Immune-mediated adverse reactions, which may be severe or fatal, can occur in any organ system or tissue. Immune-mediated adverse reactions can occur at any time after starting treatment or after discontinuation. Monitor patients closely for symptoms and signs that may be clinical manifestations of underlying immune-mediated adverse reactions. Evaluate clinical chemistries including liver enzymes, creatinine, adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) level, and thyroid function at baseline and before each dose. In cases of suspected immune-mediated adverse reactions, initiate appropriate workup to exclude alternative etiologies, including infection. Institute medical management promptly, including specialty consultation as appropriate. Withhold or permanently discontinue IMFINZI and IMJUDO depending on severity. See USPI Dosing and Administration for specific details. In general, if IMFINZI and IMJUDO requires interruption or discontinuation, administer systemic corticosteroid therapy (1 mg to 2 mg/kg/day prednisone or equivalent) until improvement to Grade 1 or less. Upon improvement to Grade 1 or less, initiate corticosteroid taper and continue to taper over at least 1 month. Consider administration of other systemic immunosuppressants in patients whose immune-mediated adverse reactions are not controlled with corticosteroid therapy.
Immune-Mediated Pneumonitis
IMFINZI in combination with IMJUDO and platinum-based chemotherapy can cause immune-mediated pneumonitis, which may be fatal. Immune-mediated pneumonitis occurred in
Immune-Mediated Colitis
IMFINZI in combination with IMJUDO and platinum-based chemotherapy can cause immune-mediated colitis that is frequently associated with diarrhea. Cytomegalovirus (CMV) infection/reactivation has been reported in patients with corticosteroid-refractory immune-mediated colitis. In cases of corticosteroid-refractory colitis, consider repeating infectious workup to exclude alternative etiologies. Immune-mediated colitis occurred in
Immune-Mediated Hepatitis
IMFINZI in combination with IMJUDO and platinum-based chemotherapy can cause immune-mediated hepatitis, which may be fatal. Immune-mediated hepatitis occurred in
Immune-Mediated Endocrinopathies
-
Adrenal Insufficiency: IMFINZI in combination with IMJUDO and platinum-based chemotherapy can cause primary or secondary adrenal insufficiency. For Grade 2 or higher adrenal insufficiency, initiate symptomatic treatment, including hormone replacement as clinically indicated. Immune-mediated adrenal insufficiency occurred in
2.2% (13/596) of patients, including Grade 3 (0.8% ) adverse reactions. -
Hypophysitis: IMFINZI in combination with IMJUDO and platinum-based chemotherapy can cause immune-mediated hypophysitis. Hypophysitis can present with acute symptoms associated with mass effect such as headache, photophobia, or visual field cuts. Hypophysitis can cause hypopituitarism. Initiate symptomatic treatment including hormone replacement as clinically indicated. Immune-mediated hypophysitis occurred in
1.3% (8/596) of patients, including Grade 3 (0.5% ) adverse reactions. -
Thyroid Disorders (Thyroiditis, Hyperthyroidism, and Hypothyroidism): IMFINZI in combination with IMJUDO and platinum-based chemotherapy can cause immune-mediated thyroid disorders. Thyroiditis can present with or without endocrinopathy. Hypothyroidism can follow hyperthyroidism. Initiate hormone replacement therapy for hypothyroidism or institute medical management of hyperthyroidism as clinically indicated.
-
Immune-mediated thyroiditis occurred in
1.2% (7/596) of patients. -
Immune-mediated hyperthyroidism occurred in
5% (30/596) of patients, including Grade 3 (0.2% ) adverse reactions. -
Immune-mediated hypothyroidism occurred in
8.6% (51/596) of patients, including Grade 3 (0.5% ) adverse reactions.
-
Immune-mediated thyroiditis occurred in
-
Type 1 Diabetes Mellitus, which can present with diabetic ketoacidosis: Monitor patients for hyperglycemia or other signs and symptoms of diabetes. Initiate treatment with insulin as clinically indicated. Immune-mediated Type 1 diabetes mellitus occurred in
0.5% (3/596) of patients receiving IMFINZI in combination with IMJUDO and platinum-based chemotherapy, including Grade 3 (0.3% ) adverse reactions.
Immune-Mediated Nephritis with Renal Dysfunction
IMFINZI in combination with IMJUDO and platinum-based chemotherapy can cause immune-mediated nephritis. Immune-mediated nephritis occurred in
Immune-Mediated Dermatology Reactions
IMFINZI in combination with IMJUDO and platinum-based chemotherapy can cause immune-mediated rash or dermatitis. Exfoliative dermatitis, including Stevens-Johnson Syndrome (SJS), drug rash with eosinophilia and systemic symptoms (DRESS), and toxic epidermal necrolysis (TEN), have occurred with PD-1/L-1 and CTLA-4 blocking antibodies. Topical emollients and/or topical corticosteroids may be adequate to treat mild to moderate non-exfoliative rashes. Immune-mediated rash or dermatitis occurred in
Other Immune-Mediated Adverse Reactions
The following clinically significant, immune-mediated adverse reactions occurred at an incidence of less than
- Cardiac/vascular: Myocarditis, pericarditis, vasculitis.
- Nervous system: Meningitis, encephalitis, myelitis and demyelination, myasthenic syndrome/myasthenia gravis (including exacerbation), Guillain-Barré syndrome, nerve paresis, autoimmune neuropathy.
- Ocular: Uveitis, iritis, and other ocular inflammatory toxicities can occur. Some cases can be associated with retinal detachment. Various grades of visual impairment to include blindness can occur. If uveitis occurs in combination with other immune-mediated adverse reactions, consider a Vogt-Koyanagi-Harada-like syndrome, as this may require treatment with systemic steroids to reduce the risk of permanent vision loss.
- Gastrointestinal: Pancreatitis including increases in serum amylase and lipase levels, gastritis, duodenitis.
- Musculoskeletal and connective tissue disorders: Myositis/polymyositis, rhabdomyolysis and associated sequelae including renal failure, arthritis, polymyalgia rheumatic.
- Endocrine: Hypoparathyroidism.
- Other (hematologic/immune): Hemolytic anemia, aplastic anemia, hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis, systemic inflammatory response syndrome, histiocytic necrotizing lymphadenitis (Kikuchi lymphadenitis), sarcoidosis, immune thrombocytopenia, solid organ transplant rejection.
Infusion-Related Reactions
IMFINZI in combination with IMJUDO and platinum-based chemotherapy can cause severe or life-threatening infusion-related reactions. Monitor for signs and symptoms of infusion-related reactions. Interrupt, slow the rate of, or permanently discontinue IMFINZI and IMJUDO based on the severity. See USPI Dosing and Administration for specific details. For Grade 1 or 2 infusion-related reactions, consider using pre-medications with subsequent doses. Infusion-related reactions occurred in
Complications of Allogeneic HSCT after IMFINZI
Fatal and other serious complications can occur in patients who receive allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) before or after being treated with a PD-1/L-1 blocking antibody. Transplant-related complications include hyperacute graft-versus-host-disease (GVHD), acute GVHD, chronic GVHD, hepatic veno-occlusive disease (VOD) after reduced intensity conditioning, and steroid-requiring febrile syndrome (without an identified infectious cause). These complications may occur despite intervening therapy between PD-1/L-1 blockade and allogeneic HSCT. Follow patients closely for evidence of transplant-related complications and intervene promptly. Consider the benefit versus risks of treatment with a PD-1/L-1 blocking antibody prior to or after an allogeneic HSCT.
Embryo-Fetal Toxicity
Based on their mechanism of action and data from animal studies, IMFINZI and IMJUDO can cause fetal harm when administered to a pregnant woman. Advise pregnant women of the potential risk to a fetus. In females of reproductive potential, verify pregnancy status prior to initiating IMFINZI and IMJUDO and advise them to use effective contraception during treatment with IMFINZI and IMJUDO and for 3 months after the last dose of IMFINZI and IMJUDO.
Lactation
There is no information regarding the presence of IMFINZI and IMJUDO in human milk; however, because of the potential for serious adverse reactions in breastfed infants from IMFINZI and IMJUDO, advise women not to breastfeed during treatment and for 3 months after the last dose.
Adverse Reactions
-
In patients with mNSCLC in the POSEIDON study receiving IMFINZI in combination with IMJUDO and platinum-based chemotherapy (n=330), the most common adverse reactions (occurring in ≥
20% of patients) were nausea (42% ), fatigue (36% ), musculoskeletal pain (29% ), decreased appetite (28% ), rash (27% ), and diarrhea (22% ). -
In patients with mNSCLC in the POSEIDON study receiving IMFINZI in combination with IMJUDO and platinum-based chemotherapy (n=330), permanent discontinuation of IMFINZI or IMJUDO due to an adverse reaction occurred in
17% of patients. Serious adverse reactions occurred in44% of patients, with the most frequent serious adverse reactions reported in at least2% of patients being pneumonia (11% ), anemia (5% ), diarrhea (2.4% ), thrombocytopenia (2.4% ), pyrexia (2.4% ), and febrile neutropenia (2.1% ). Fatal adverse reactions occurred in a total of4.2% of patients.
The safety and effectiveness of IMFINZI and IMJUDO have not been established in pediatric patients.
Indication:
IMFINZI, in combination with IMJUDO and platinum-based chemotherapy, is indicated for the treatment of adult patients with metastatic NSCLC with no sensitizing epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) mutations or anaplastic lymphoma kinase (ALK) genomic tumor aberrations.
IMPORTANT PRODUCT INFORMATION
IMFINZI, in combination with IMJUDO and platinum-based chemotherapy, is indicated for the treatment of adult patients with metastatic NSCLC with no sensitizing epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) mutations or anaplastic lymphoma kinase (ALK) genomic tumor aberrations.
Immune-mediated adverse reactions, which may be severe or fatal, can occur in any organ system or tissue, including the following: immune-mediated pneumonitis, immune-mediated colitis, immune-mediated hepatitis, immune-mediated endocrinopathies, immune-mediated nephritis with renal dysfunction, immune-mediated dermatologic reactions, and solid organ transplant rejection. IMFINZI and IMJUDO can cause severe or life-threatening infusion-related reactions. Fatal and other serious complications can occur in patients who receive allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) before or after being treat with a PD-1/PD-L1 blocking antibody.
Advise women not to become pregnant or breastfeed during treatment with IMFINZI and IMJUDO and for 3 months after the last dose.
The most frequent serious adverse reactions reported in at least
The most common adverse reactions (≥
The safety and effectiveness of IMFINZI and IMJUDO have not been established in pediatric patients.
Please see Full Prescribing Information including Medication Guide for IMFINZI and IMJUDO.
Notes
Stage IV NSCLC
Lung cancer is the second most common form of cancer globally, with more than two million patients diagnosed in 2020.3 Lung cancer is broadly split into NSCLC and SCLC, with 80
POSEIDON
The POSEIDON trial was a randomized, open-label, multi-center, global, Phase III trial of IMFINZI plus platinum-based chemotherapy, or IMFINZI, IMJUDO and chemotherapy, versus chemotherapy alone in the 1st-line treatment of 1,013 patients with metastatic NSCLC. The trial population included patients with either non-squamous or squamous disease, and the full range of PD-L1 expression levels. POSEIDON excluded patients with certain epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) mutations or anaplastic lymphoma kinase (ALK) fusions.
In the experimental arms, patients were treated with a flat dose of 1,500mg of IMFINZI, or IMFINZI and 75mg of IMJUDO with up to four cycles of chemotherapy every three weeks, followed by maintenance treatment with IMFINZI once every four weeks, or IMFINZI and a fifth dose of 75mg of IMJUDO given at week 16. In comparison, the control arm allowed up to six cycles of chemotherapy. Pemetrexed maintenance treatment was allowed in all arms in patients with non-squamous disease if given during the induction phase. Nearly all patients with non-squamous disease (
Primary endpoints included progression-free survival (PFS) and OS for the IMFINZI plus chemotherapy arm. Key secondary endpoints included PFS and OS in the IMFINZI plus IMJUDO and chemotherapy arm. As both PFS endpoints were met for IMFINZI plus chemotherapy and IMFINZI, IMJUDO and chemotherapy, the prespecified statistical analysis plan allowed for testing OS in the IMFINZI plus IMJUDO and chemotherapy arm. The trial was conducted in more than 150 centers across 18 countries, including the US,
IMFINZI
IMFINZI® (durvalumab) is a human monoclonal antibody that binds to the PD-L1 protein and blocks the interaction of PD-L1 with the PD-1 and CD80 proteins, countering the tumor's immune-evading tactics and releasing the inhibition of immune responses.
In addition to its approved indications in lung cancer, IMFINZI is also the only approved immunotherapy in unresectable or metastatic biliary tract cancer and hepatocellular carcinoma (in combination with IMJUDO), and is also approved for previously treated patients with advanced bladder cancer in several countries.
As part of a broad development program, IMFINZI is being tested as a single treatment and in combinations with other anti-cancer treatments for patients with SCLC, NSCLC, bladder cancer, several gastrointestinal (GI) cancers, ovarian cancer, endometrial cancer and other solid tumors.
IMJUDO
IMJUDO® (tremelimumab) is a human monoclonal antibody that targets the activity of cytotoxic T-lymphocyte-associated protein 4 (CTLA-4). IMJUDO blocks the activity of CTLA-4, contributing to T-cell activation, priming the immune response to cancer and fostering cancer cell death.
IMJUDO is also approved in combination with IMFINZI for the treatment of unresectable hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) and is being tested in combination with IMFINZI across multiple tumor types including locoregional HCC (EMERALD-3), SCLC (ADRIATIC) and bladder cancer (VOLGA and NILE).
The Company's comprehensive portfolio includes leading lung cancer medicines and the next wave of innovations, including osimertinib and gefitinib; IMFINZI (durvalumab) and IMJUDO (tremelimumab); fam-trastuzumab deruxtecan-nxki and datopotamab deruxtecan in collaboration with Daiichi Sankyo; savolitinib in collaboration with HUTCHMED; as well as a pipeline of potential new medicines and combinations across diverse mechanisms of action.
The Company's focus is on some of the most challenging cancers. It is through persistent innovation that
About
References
-
Lungevity. Lung Cancer Statistics. Available at: https://www.lungevity.org/for-supporters-advocates/lung-cancer-awareness/lung-cancer-statistics#1. Accessed
November 2022 . -
American Cancer Society . Lung Cancer Survival Rates. Available at: https://www.cancer.org/cancer/lung-cancer/detection-diagnosis-staging/survival-rates.html. AccessedNovember 2022 . -
WHO.
International Agency of Cancer Research . Lung Fact Sheet. Available at: https://gco.iarc.fr/today/data/factsheets/cancers/15-Lung-fact-sheet.pdf. AccessedNovember 2022 . - Abernethy AP, et al. Real-world first-line treatment and overall survival in non-small cell lung cancer without known EGFR mutations or ALK rearrangements in US community oncology setting. PLoS ONE. 2017;12(6):e0178420.
- Cheema PK, et al. Perspectives on treatment advances for stage III locally advanced unresectable non-small-cell lung cancer. Curr Oncol. 2019;26(1):37-42.
-
Cancer.net. Lung Cancer - Non-Small Cell: Introduction. Available at: https://www.cancer.net/cancer-types/lung-cancer-non-small-cell/introduction. Accessed
November 2022 .
US-66738 Last Updated 11/22
View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20221111005248/en/
Media Inquiries
US Media Mailbox: usmediateam@astrazeneca.com
Source:
FAQ
What is the recent FDA approval for AZN related to?
What are the survival benefits of IMFINZI and IMJUDO for NSCLC?
How many patients with Stage IV NSCLC survive after two years on this treatment?
What trials supported the approval of AZN's new lung cancer treatment?