BeiGene Announces Acceptance of Supplemental New Drug Application in China for BRUKINSA (zanubrutinib) in Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia with Breakthrough Therapy Designation

Rhea-AI Summary

BeiGene announced that the China National Medical Products Administration has accepted a supplemental new drug application for its BTK inhibitor BRUKINSA (zanubrutinib) to treat adults with chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL). This marks the first breakthrough therapy designation for BRUKINSA in treatment-naïve CLL, supported by promising results from the global Phase 3 SEQUOIA trial. The trial demonstrated a 24-month progression-free survival of 85.5%, outperforming traditional chemoimmunotherapy. BRUKINSA is also under assessment for expanded use in treating blood cancers in China.

Positive

• Breakthrough therapy designation granted for BRUKINSA in treatment-naïve CLL.
• SEQUOIA trial shows BRUKINSA has 85.5% progression-free survival at 24 months.
• BRUKINSA's safety profile consistent with prior studies, indicating good tolerability.

Negative

• Dependence on ongoing clinical results for full regulatory approval.
• Potential risks associated with usage, including severe infections and hemorrhagic events.

BRUKINSA was granted its first breakthrough therapy designation in China with this application

The application is supported by SEQUOIA trial results, which demonstrated BRUKINSA’s superiority in efficacy over chemoimmunotherapy

BRUKINSA received the China NMPA conditional approval for the treatment of patients with relapsed or refractory chronic lymphocytic leukemia in June 2020

CAMBRIDGE, Mass. & BEIJING--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- BeiGene (NASDAQ: BGNE; HKEX: 06160; SSE: 688235), a global, science-driven biotechnology company focused on developing innovative and affordable medicines, today announced that the Center for Drug Evaluation (CDE) of the China National Medical Products Administration (NMPA) has accepted a supplemental new drug application (sNDA) for BeiGene’s BTK inhibitor BRUKINSA (zanubrutinib) as a treatment for adult patients with chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) or small lymphocytic lymphoma (SLL) and granted BRUKINSA breakthrough therapy designation (BTD).

“This is BRUKINSA’s first filing in treatment-naïve CLL supported by the positive global Phase 3 SEQUOIA trial, a remarkable step forward in its global registration program. As presented at ASH, BRUKINSA significantly prolonged progression-free survival and was generally well-tolerated in these patients, with demonstrated superiority over chemoimmunotherapy in the SEQUOIA trial,” commented Jane Huang, M.D., Chief Medical Officer of Hematology at BeiGene. “Together with the filing in Waldenström’s macroglobulinemia, we are hoping to expand the clinical use of this potential best-in-class BTK inhibitor from relapsed or refractory setting to frontline care for the blood cancer community in China.”

The sNDA is supported by clinical results from the randomized, multicenter, global Phase 3 SEQUOIA trial (NCT03336333) comparing BRUKINSA to bendamustine in combination with rituximab (B+R) in patients with treatment-naïve CLL.

As assessed by an independent review committee (IRC), BRUKINSA demonstrated superiority in progression-free survival (PFS) over B+R. With a median follow-up of 26.15 months, the 24-month PFS was 85.5% (95% CI: 80.1, 89.6) with BRUKINSA, compared to 69.5% (95% CI: 62.4, 75.5) with B+R, and the hazard ratio (HR) was 0.42 (95% CI: 0.27, 0.63), p<0.0001. BRUKINSA was generally well tolerated with a safety profile consistent with its broad clinical program, including a low rate of atrial fibrillation.

About Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia

Chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) is the most common form of leukemia in adults, with a global incidence of approximately 114,000 new cases in 2017. CLL affects white blood cells or lymphocytes in the bone marrow, Proliferation of cancer cells (leukemia) in the marrow result in reduced ability to fight infection and spread into the blood, which affects other parts of the body including the lymph nodes, liver and spleen.^1,2,3 The BTK pathway is a known route that signals malignant B cells and contributes to the onset of CLL.⁴ Small lymphocytic lymphoma (SLL) is a non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma affecting the B-lymphocytes of the immune system, which shares many similarities to CLL but with cancer cells found mostly in lymph nodes.⁵

About BRUKINSA

BRUKINSA is a small molecule inhibitor of Bruton’s tyrosine kinase (BTK) discovered by BeiGene scientists that is currently being evaluated globally in a broad clinical program as a monotherapy and in combination with other therapies to treat various B-cell malignancies. Because new BTK is continuously synthesized, BRUKINSA was specifically designed to deliver complete and sustained inhibition of the BTK protein by optimizing bioavailability, half-life, and selectivity. With differentiated pharmacokinetics compared to other approved BTK inhibitors, BRUKINSA has been demonstrated to inhibit the proliferation of malignant B cells within a number of disease relevant tissues.

BRUKINSA has received 20 approvals covering 43 countries and regions:

• For the treatment of mantle cell lymphoma (MCL) in adult patients who have received at least one prior therapy (United States, November 2019)*;
• For the treatment of MCL in adult patients who have received at least one prior therapy (China, June 2020)**;
• For the treatment of chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) or small lymphocytic lymphoma (SLL) in adult patients who have received at least one prior therapy (China, June 2020)**;
• For the treatment of MCL in patients who have received at least one prior therapy (Israel, January 2021);
• For the treatment of relapsed or refractory MCL (United Arab Emirates, February 2021);
• For the treatment of Waldenström’s macroglobulinemia (WM) in adult patients (Canada, March 2021);
• For the treatment of adult patients with WM who have received at least one prior therapy (China, June 2021)**;
• For the treatment of MCL in adult patients who have received at least one prior therapy (Canada, July 2021);
• For the treatment of MCL in adult patients who have received at least one prior therapy (Chile, July 2021);
• For the treatment of adult patients with MCL who have received at least one previous therapy (Brazil, August 2021);
• For the treatment of adult patients with WM (United States, August 2021);
• For the treatment of adult patients with marginal zone lymphoma (MZL) who have received at least one anti-CD20-based regimen (United States, September 2021)*;
• For the treatment of adult patients with MCL who have received at least one previous therapy (Singapore, October 2021);
• For the treatment of adult patients with WM who have received at least one prior therapy, or in first line treatment for patients unsuitable for chemo-immunotherapy (Australia, October 2021);
• For the treatment of adult patients with MCL who have received at least one prior therapy (Australia, October 2021);
• For the treatment of adult patients with MCL who have received at least one previous therapy (Russia, October 2021);
• For the treatment of adult patients with MCL who have received at least one previous therapy (Saudi Arabia, November 2021);
• For the treatment of adult patients with WM who have received at least one prior therapy or first-line treatment of patients unsuitable for chemo-immunotherapy (European Union plus Iceland, Lichtenstein, and Norway, November 2021);
• For the treatment of eligible adult patients with Waldenström’s macroglobulinemia (WM) who have received at least one prior therapy or for the first-line treatment of eligible patients unsuitable for chemo-immunotherapy (Great Britain, December 2021); and
• For the treatment of adult patients with MCL who have received at least one previous therapy (Ecuador, December 2021).

To date, more than 20 marketing authorization applications have been submitted for BRUKINSA for various indications.

* This indication was 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 a confirmatory trial.

** This indication was approved under conditional approval. Complete approval for this indication may be contingent upon results from ongoing randomized, controlled confirmatory clinical trials.

IMPORTANT U.S. SAFETY INFORMATION FOR BRUKINSA (ZANUBRUTINIB)

Warnings and Precautions

Hemorrhage

Fatal and serious hemorrhagic events have occurred in patients with hematological malignancies treated with BRUKINSA monotherapy. Grade 3 or higher hemorrhage including intracranial and gastrointestinal hemorrhage, hematuria and hemothorax have been reported in 3.4% of patients treated with BRUKINSA monotherapy. Hemorrhage events of any grade occurred in 35% of patients treated with BRUKINSA monotherapy.

Bleeding events have occurred in patients with and without concomitant antiplatelet or anticoagulation therapy. Co-administration of BRUKINSA with antiplatelet or anticoagulant medications may further increase the risk of hemorrhage.

Monitor for signs and symptoms of bleeding. Discontinue BRUKINSA if intracranial hemorrhage of any grade occurs. Consider the benefit-risk of withholding BRUKINSA for 3-7 days pre- and post-surgery depending upon the type of surgery and the risk of bleeding.

Infections

Fatal and serious infections (including bacterial, viral, or fungal) and opportunistic infections have occurred in patients with hematological malignancies treated with BRUKINSA monotherapy. Grade 3 or higher infections occurred in 27% of patients, most commonly pneumonia. Infections due to hepatitis B virus (HBV) reactivation have occurred.

Consider prophylaxis for herpes simplex virus, pneumocystis jiroveci pneumonia and other infections according to standard of care in patients who are at increased risk for infections. Monitor and evaluate patients for fever or other signs and symptoms of infection and treat appropriately.

Cytopenias

Grade 3 or 4 cytopenias, including neutropenia (26%), thrombocytopenia (11%) and anemia (8%) based on laboratory measurements, developed in patients treated with BRUKINSA monotherapy. Grade 4 neutropenia occurred in 13% of patients, and Grade 4 thrombocytopenia occurred in 3.6% of patients.

Monitor complete blood counts regularly during treatment and interrupt treatment, reduce the dose, or discontinue treatment as warranted. Treat using growth factor or transfusions, as needed.

Second Primary Malignancies

Second primary malignancies, including non-skin carcinoma, have occurred in 14% of patients treated with BRUKINSA monotherapy. The most frequent second primary malignancy was non-melanoma skin cancer, reported in 8% of patients. Other second primary malignancies included malignant solid tumors (4.0%), melanoma (1.7%) and hematologic malignancies (1.2%). Advise patients to use sun protection and monitor patients for the development of second primary malignancies.

Cardiac Arrhythmias

Atrial fibrillation and atrial flutter were reported in 3.2% of patients treated with BRUKINSA monotherapy. Patients with cardiac risk factors, hypertension, and acute infections may be at increased risk. Grade 3 or higher events were reported in 1.1% of patients treated with BRUKINSA monotherapy. Monitor signs and symptoms for atrial fibrillation and atrial flutter and manage as appropriate.

Embryo-Fetal Toxicity

Based on findings in animals, BRUKINSA can cause fetal harm when administered to a pregnant woman. Administration of zanubrutinib to pregnant rats during the period of organogenesis caused embryo-fetal toxicity including malformations at exposures that were 5 times higher than those reported in patients at the recommended dose of 160 mg twice daily. Advise women to avoid becoming pregnant while taking BRUKINSA and for 1 week after the last dose. Advise men to avoid fathering a child during treatment and for 1 week after the last dose.

If this drug is used during pregnancy, or if the patient becomes pregnant while taking this drug, the patient should be apprised of the potential hazard to a fetus.

Adverse reactions

The most common adverse reactions, including laboratory abnormalities, in ≥ 30% of patients who received BRUKINSA (N = 847) included decreased neutrophil count (54%), upper respiratory tract infection (47%), decreased platelet count (41%), hemorrhage (35%), decreased lymphocyte count (31%), rash (31%) and musculoskeletal pain (30%).

Drug Interactions

CYP3A Inhibitors: When BRUKINSA is co-administered with a strong CYP3A inhibitor, reduce BRUKINSA dose to 80 mg once daily. For coadministration with a moderate CYP3A inhibitor, reduce BRUKINSA dose to 80 mg twice daily.

CYP3A Inducers: Avoid coadministration with moderate or strong CYP3A inducers.

Specific Populations

Hepatic Impairment: The recommended dose of BRUKINSA for patients with severe hepatic impairment is 80 mg orally twice daily.

Please see full U.S. Prescribing Information at www.beigene.com/PDF/BRUKINSAUSPI.pdf and Patient Information at www.beigene.com/PDF/BRUKINSAUSPPI.pdf.

BeiGene Oncology

BeiGene is committed to advancing best- and first-in-class clinical candidates internally or with like-minded partners to develop impactful and affordable medicines for patients across the globe. We have a growing R&D and medical affairs team of approximately 2,900 colleagues dedicated to advancing more than 100 clinical trials that have involved more than 14,500 subjects. Our expansive portfolio is directed predominantly by our internal colleagues supporting clinical trials in more than 45 countries and regions. Hematology-oncology and solid tumor targeted therapies and immuno-oncology are key focus areas for the Company, with both mono- and combination therapies prioritized in our research and development. BeiGene currently has three approved medicines discovered and developed in our own labs: BTK inhibitor BRUKINSA in the United States, China, the EU and U.K., Canada, Australia and additional international markets; and the non-FC-gamma receptor binding anti-PD-1 antibody tislelizumab as well as the PARP inhibitor pamiparib in China.

BeiGene also partners with innovative companies who share our goal of developing therapies to address global health needs. We commercialize a range of oncology medicines in China licensed from Amgen, Bristol Myers Squibb, EUSA Pharma and Bio-Thera. We also plan to address greater areas of unmet need globally through our other collaborations including with Mirati Therapeutics, Seagen, and Zymeworks.

In January 2021 BeiGene and Novartis announced a collaboration granting Novartis rights to co-develop, manufacture, and commercialize BeiGene’s anti-PD1 antibody tislelizumab in North America, Europe, and Japan. Building upon this productive collaboration, including a biologics license application (BLA) under FDA review, BeiGene and Novartis announced an option, collaboration and license agreement in December 2021 for BeiGene’s TIGIT inhibitor ociperlimab that is in Phase 3 development. Novartis and BeiGene also entered into a strategic commercial agreement through which BeiGene will promote five approved Novartis Oncology products across designated regions of China.

About BeiGene

BeiGene is a global, science-driven biotechnology company focused on developing innovative and affordable medicines to improve treatment outcomes and access for patients worldwide. With a broad portfolio of more than 40 clinical candidates, we are expediting development of our diverse pipeline of novel therapeutics through our own capabilities and collaborations. We are committed to radically improving access to medicines for two billion more people by 2030. BeiGene has a growing global team of over 8,000 colleagues across five continents. To learn more about BeiGene, please visit www.beigene.ca and follow us on Twitter at @BeiGeneGlobal.

Forward-Looking Statements

This press release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 and other federal securities laws, including statements regarding the potential clinical benefits and advantages of BRUKINSA, BeiGene's plans for the advancement, and anticipated clinical development, regulatory milestones and commercialization of BRUKINSA, the potential commercial opportunity for BRUKINSA, plans for making BRUKINSA accessible to patients in China, the potential for BRUKINSA to be a best-in-class BTK inhibitor and to provide improved clinical benefits to patients, and BeiGene’s plans, commitments, aspirations and goals under the headings “BeiGene Oncology” and “About BeiGene”. Actual results may differ materially from those indicated in the forward-looking statements as a result of various important factors, including BeiGene's ability to demonstrate the efficacy and safety of its drug candidates; the clinical results for its drug candidates, which may not support further development or marketing approval; actions of regulatory agencies, which may affect the initiation, timing and progress of clinical trials and marketing approval; BeiGene's ability to achieve commercial success for its marketed medicines and drug candidates, if approved; BeiGene's ability to obtain and maintain protection of intellectual property for its medicines and technology; BeiGene's reliance on third parties to conduct drug development, manufacturing and other services; BeiGene’s limited experience in obtaining regulatory approvals and commercializing pharmaceutical products and its ability to obtain additional funding for operations and to complete the development and commercialization of its drug candidates and achieve and maintain profitability; the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on BeiGene’s clinical development, regulatory, commercial, and other operations, as well as those risks more fully discussed in the section entitled “Risk Factors” in BeiGene’s most recent quarterly report on Form 10-Q as well as discussions of potential risks, uncertainties, and other important factors in BeiGene's subsequent filings with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission. All information in this press release is as of the date of this press release, and BeiGene undertakes no duty to update such information unless required by law.

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¹ American Cancer Society. Cancer Facts & Figures 2021. Atlanta; American Cancer Society; 2021. Available here: Cancer Facts and Figures 2021.
² Global Burden of Disease Cancer Collaboration. Global, Regional, and National Cancer Incidence, Mortality, Years of Life Lost, Years Lived With Disability, and Disability-Adjusted Life-Years for 29 Cancer Groups, 1990 to 2017. JAMA Oncol. 2019;5(12):1749-1768.
³ National Cancer Institute. Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia Treatment (PDQ®)–Patient Version. Available here: Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia Treatment (PDQ®)–Patient Version.
⁴ Haselager MV et al. Proliferative Signals in Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia; What Are We Missing? Front Oncol. 2020; 10: 592205.
⁵ Cancer Support Community. Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia/Small Lymphocytic Lymphoma. Available here: https://www.cancersupportcommunity.org/chronic-lymphocytic-leukemiasmall-lymphocytic-lymphoma.

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BeiGene Corporate Contacts

Investor Contact

Kevin Mannix

+1 240-410-0129

ir@beigene.com

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Source: BeiGene

FAQ

What is the significance of BRUKINSA's breakthrough therapy designation in China?

BRUKINSA's breakthrough therapy designation signifies accelerated development and review by the regulatory authority for treatment-naïve chronic lymphocytic leukemia.

What were the results of the SEQUOIA trial for BRUKINSA?

The SEQUOIA trial demonstrated a 24-month progression-free survival rate of 85.5% for BRUKINSA, indicating its efficacy compared to traditional chemoimmunotherapy.

When was BRUKINSA approved for use in China?

BRUKINSA received conditional approval in China for relapsed or refractory chronic lymphocytic leukemia in June 2020.

What are the safety concerns related to BRUKINSA?

BRUKINSA has been associated with serious risks, including infections and hemorrhage, which require careful monitoring during treatment.

What is the stock ticker for BeiGene?

The stock ticker for BeiGene is BGNE, traded on NASDAQ.