Bristol Myers Squibb Receives Positive CHMP Opinion Recommending Approval for CAMZYOS® (mavacamten) for the Treatment of Symptomatic Obstructive Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy (HCM)

Rhea-AI Summary

Bristol Myers Squibb (NYSE: BMY) has received a positive recommendation from the Committee for Medicinal Products for Human Use (CHMP) of the European Medicines Agency (EMA) for its drug CAMZYOS (mavacamten), intended for treating symptomatic obstructive hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) in adults. CAMZYOS would be the first cardiac myosin inhibitor in Europe targeting the source of obstructive HCM. The recommendation follows successful results from the Phase 3 EXPLORER-HCM and VALOR-HCM trials, which demonstrated significant benefits over placebo. The European Commission will now review the CHMP's opinion. CAMZYOS is already approved in the U.S., Australia, Canada, Brazil, and Switzerland, marking a significant step for Bristol Myers Squibb in offering innovative cardiovascular treatments.

Positive

• Positive CHMP recommendation for CAMZYOS marks potential first approval in Europe for obstructive HCM treatment.
• Efficacy demonstrated in Phase 3 EXPLORER-HCM and VALOR-HCM trials, showing significant benefits over placebo.
• CAMZYOS already has regulatory approvals in the U.S., Australia, Canada, Brazil, and Switzerland.

Negative

• Regulatory approval in Europe is not guaranteed despite positive CHMP recommendation.
• Potential risks associated with CAMZYOS include heart failure due to systolic dysfunction.

If approved, CAMZYOS would be the first cardiac myosin inhibitor in Europe that specifically targets the source of obstructive HCM

Recommendation based on positive Phase 3 EXPLORER-HCM and VALOR-HCM trials demonstrating benefit in patients receiving CAMZYOS versus placebo

PRINCETON, N.J.--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Bristol Myers Squibb (NYSE: BMY) today announced that the Committee for Medicinal Products for Human Use (CHMP) of the European Medicines Agency (EMA) has recommended approval of CAMZYOS^® (mavacamten) for the treatment of symptomatic (New York Heart Association, NYHA, class II-III) obstructive hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) in adult patients. The European Commission (EC), which has the authority to approve medicines for the European Union (EU), will now review the CHMP opinion.

“Obstructive hypertrophic cardiomyopathy can be a debilitating and life-changing heart disease, reducing physical functioning and overall well-being, and often runs in families. For patients in the EU, there is yet to be an approved therapy that targets the underlying cause of this disease, despite its global prevalence and debilitating symptoms,” said Roland Chen, M.D., Senior Vice President, Cardiovascular Development at Bristol Myers Squibb. “We are encouraged by the CHMP’s positive recommendation, which puts us one step closer to offering patients in the EU a first-in-class treatment for obstructive HCM, and reinforces our commitment to delivering transformative cardiovascular therapies to patients worldwide.”

The positive opinion is based upon efficacy and safety results from two Phase 3 trials, EXPLORER-HCM and VALOR-HCM. Results from the Phase 3 EXPLORER-HCM trial, which evaluated CAMZYOS in patients with symptomatic obstructive HCM versus placebo, met all primary and secondary endpoints with statistical significance. EXPLORER-HCM showed CAMZYOS demonstrated a clear treatment effect, with clinically meaningful improvements in exercise capacity and symptoms, and functional status, as well as clinically meaningful improvement in left ventricular outflow tract obstruction. Results from the Phase 3 VALOR-HCM study evaluated CAMZYOS in patients with symptomatic obstructive HCM who met the 2011 ACC/AHA or 2014 ESC guideline criteria for septal reduction therapy (SRT) and who were referred for an invasive procedure. VALOR-HCM met statistical significance across all primary and secondary endpoints showing a valuable improvement across key cardiac measures which resulted in a clinically meaningful reduction in need or eligibility for SRT among CAMZYOS-treated patients versus placebo.

On April 28, 2022, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved CAMZYOS for the treatment of adults with symptomatic NYHA class II-III obstructive HCM to improve functional capacity and symptoms. Please see important safety information, including Boxed WARNING, from the U.S. prescribing information below.

Bristol Myers Squibb thanks the patients and investigators involved in both clinical trials.

About EXPLORER-HCM

The EXPLORER-HCM Phase 3 trial (NCT03470545) was a double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled, parallel group trial that enrolled a total of 251 adult patients with symptomatic (NYHA class II or III), obstructive hypertrophic cardiomyopathy. All participants had measurable left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) ≥55% and at least one peak LVOT gradient ≥50 mmHg (at rest or with provocation at diagnosis); in addition, Valsalva LVOT gradient ≥30 mmHg at baseline was required at screening. Ninety-two percent of patients were on background therapies of a beta blocker or calcium channel blocker. The primary endpoint was a composite functional endpoint, assessed at 30 weeks, and was defined as the proportion of patients who achieved either improvement of mixed venous oxygen tension (pVO₂) by ≥1.5 mL/kg/min plus improvement in NYHA class by at least 1 or improvement of pVO₂ by ≥3.0 mL/kg/min plus no worsening in NYHA class. Key secondary endpoints include impact on exercise gradient LVOT, pVO₂, NYHA Class and Kansas City Cardiomyopathy Questionnaire (KCCQ) and Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy Symptom Questionnaire (HCMSQ) at Week 30.

About VALOR-HCM

VALOR-HCM (NCT04349072) is a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, multicenter Phase 3 study of patients with symptomatic, obstructive HCM (NYHA class III-IV) who meet guideline criteria for septal reduction therapy (SRT) and have been referred for an invasive procedure. The study enrolled 112 patients in the U.S., randomized on a 1:1 basis to receive mavacamten or placebo. Ninety-five percent of patients were on background therapies of a beta blocker, calcium channel blocker, disopyramide or a combination. The primary endpoint is a composite of the number of patients who decide to proceed with SRT prior to or at Week 16 and the number of patients who remain SRT-guideline eligible (LVOT gradient of ≥50 mmHg and NYHA Class III-IV or Class II with exertional symptoms of syncope or near syncope) at Week 16. Key secondary endpoints include impact on exercise gradient LVOT, NYHA Class and Kansas City Cardiomyopathy Questionnaire (KCCQ) and biomarkers at Week 16. The results of the VALOR-HCM study were submitted to the FDA for an expanded indication to reduce the need for septal reduction therapy (SRT). The FDA accepted the supplemental new drug application (sNDA) and assigned a Prescription Drug User Fee Act (PDUFA) goal date of June 16, 2023.

About CAMZYOS (mavacamten)

CAMZYOS (mavacamten) is the first and only cardiac myosin inhibitor approved in the U.S., indicated for the treatment of adults with symptomatic New York Heart Association (NYHA) class II-III obstructive hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) to improve functional capacity and symptoms. It has also received regulatory approvals in Australia, Canada, Brazil and Switzerland. CAMZYOS is an allosteric and reversible inhibitor selective for cardiac myosin. CAMZYOS modulates the number of myosin heads that can enter “on actin” (power-generating) states, thus reducing the probability of force-producing (systolic) and residual (diastolic) cross-bridge formation. Excess myosin actin cross-bridge formation and dysregulation of the super-relaxed state are mechanistic hallmarks of HCM. CAMZYOS shifts the overall myosin population towards an energy-sparing, recruitable, super-relaxed state. In HCM patients, myosin inhibition with CAMZYOS reduces dynamic LVOT obstruction and improves cardiac filling pressures.

About CAMZYOS REMS Program

CAMZYOS is only available in the U.S. through a restricted program called the CAMZYOS REMS Program because of the risk of heart failure due to systolic dysfunction. Further information is available at www.CAMZYOSREMS.com or by telephone at 1-833-628-7367.

U.S. INDICATION

CAMZYOS (mavacamten) is indicated for the treatment of adults with symptomatic New York Heart Association (NYHA) class II-III obstructive hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) to improve functional capacity and symptoms.

IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION

WARNING: RISK OF HEART FAILURE

CAMZYOS reduces left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) and can cause heart failure due to systolic dysfunction.

Echocardiogram assessments of LVEF are required prior to and during treatment with CAMZYOS. Initiation of CAMZYOS in patients with LVEF <55% is not recommended. Interrupt CAMZYOS if LVEF is <50% at any visit or if the patient experiences heart failure symptoms or worsening clinical status.

Concomitant use of CAMZYOS with certain cytochrome P450 inhibitors or discontinuation of certain cytochrome P450 inducers may increase the risk of heart failure due to systolic dysfunction; therefore, the use of CAMZYOS is contraindicated with the following:

• Moderate to strong CYP2C19 inhibitors or strong CYP3A4 inhibitors
• Moderate to strong CYP2C19 inducers or moderate to strong CYP3A4 inducers

Because of the risk of heart failure due to systolic dysfunction, CAMZYOS is available only through a restricted program under a Risk Evaluation and Mitigation Strategy (REMS) called the CAMZYOS REMS PROGRAM.

CONTRAINDICATIONS

CAMZYOS is contraindicated with concomitant use of:

• Moderate to strong CYP2C19 inhibitors or strong CYP3A4 inhibitors
• Moderate to strong CYP2C19 inducers or moderate to strong CYP3A4 inducers

WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS

Heart Failure

CAMZYOS reduces systolic contraction and can cause heart failure or totally block ventricular function. Patients who experience a serious intercurrent illness (e.g., serious infection) or arrhythmia (e.g., atrial fibrillation or other uncontrolled tachyarrhythmia) are at greater risk of developing systolic dysfunction and heart failure.

Assess the patient’s clinical status and LVEF prior to and regularly during treatment and adjust the CAMZYOS dose accordingly. New or worsening arrhythmia, dyspnea, chest pain, fatigue, palpitations, leg edema, or elevations in N-terminal pro-B-type natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP) may be signs and symptoms of heart failure and should also prompt an evaluation of cardiac function.

Asymptomatic LVEF reduction, intercurrent illnesses, and arrhythmias require additional dosing considerations.

Initiation of CAMZYOS in patients with LVEF <55% is not recommended. Avoid concomitant use of CAMZYOS in patients on disopyramide, ranolazine, verapamil with a beta blocker, or diltiazem with a beta blocker as these medications and combinations were excluded from EXPLORER-HCM. Concomitant use of CAMZYOS with disopyramide in combination with verapamil or diltiazem has been associated with left ventricular systolic dysfunction and heart failure symptoms in patients with obstructive HCM.

CYP 450 Drug Interactions Leading to Heart Failure or Loss of Effectiveness

CAMZYOS is primarily metabolized by CYP2C19 and CYP3A4 enzymes. Concomitant use of CAMZYOS and drugs that interact with these enzymes may lead to life-threatening drug interactions such as heart failure or loss of effectiveness.

Advise patients of the potential for drug interactions, including with over the counter medications (such as omeprazole, esomeprazole, or cimetidine). Advise patients to inform their healthcare provider of all concomitant products prior to and during CAMZYOS treatment.

CAMZYOS Risk Evaluation and Mitigation Strategy (REMS) Program

CAMZYOS is only available through a restricted program in the U.S. called the CAMZYOS REMS Program because of the risk of heart failure due to systolic dysfunction. Notable requirements of the CAMZYOS REMS Program include the following:

• Prescribers must be certified by enrolling in the REMS Program.
• Patients must enroll in the REMS Program and comply with ongoing monitoring requirements.
• Pharmacies must be certified by enrolling in the REMS Program and must only dispense to patients who are authorized to receive CAMZYOS.
• Wholesalers and distributors must only distribute to certified pharmacies.

Further information is available at www.CAMZYOSREMS.com or by telephone at 1-833-628-7367.

Embryo-Fetal Toxicity

CAMZYOS may cause fetal toxicity when administered to a pregnant female, based on animal studies. Confirm absence of pregnancy in females of reproductive potential prior to treatment and advise patients to use effective contraception during treatment with CAMZYOS and for 4 months after the last dose. CAMZYOS may reduce the effectiveness of combined hormonal contraceptives (CHCs). Advise patients using CHCs to use an alternative contraceptive method that is not affected by CYP 450 enzyme induction or to add nonhormonal contraception. Advise females of reproductive potential about the potential risk to the fetus with maternal exposure to CAMZYOS during pregnancy.

ADVERSE REACTIONS

In the EXPLORER-HCM trial, adverse reactions occurring in >5% of patients and more commonly in the CAMZYOS group than in the placebo group were dizziness (27% vs 18%) and syncope (6% vs 2%).

Effects on Systolic Function
In the EXPLORER-HCM trial, mean (SD) resting LVEF was 74% (6) at baseline in both treatment groups. Mean (SD) absolute change from baseline in LVEF was -4% (8) in the CAMZYOS group and 0% (7) in the placebo group over the 30-week treatment period. At Week 38, following an 8-week interruption of trial drug, mean LVEF was similar to baseline for both treatment groups. In the EXPLORER-HCM trial, 7 (6%) patients in the CAMZYOS group and 2 (2%) patients in the placebo group experienced reversible reductions in LVEF <50% (median 48%: range 35-49%) while on treatment. In all 7 patients treated with CAMZYOS, LVEF recovered following interruption of CAMZYOS.

DRUG INTERACTIONS

Potential for Other Drugs to Affect Plasma Concentrations of CAMZYOS

CAMZYOS is primarily metabolized by CYP2C19 and to a lesser extent by CYP3A4 and CYP2C9. Inducers and inhibitors of CYP2C19 and moderate to strong inhibitors or inducers of CYP3A4 may affect the exposures of CAMZYOS.

Impact of Other Drugs on CAMZYOS:

• Moderate to Strong CYP2C19 Inhibitors or Strong CYP3A4 Inhibitors: Concomitant use increases CAMZYOS exposure, which may increase the risk of heart failure due to systolic dysfunction. Concomitant use is contraindicated.
• Moderate to Strong CYP2C19 Inducers or Moderate to Strong CYP3A4 Inducers: Concomitant use decreases CAMZYOS exposure, which may reduce CAMZYOS’ efficacy. The risk of heart failure due to systolic dysfunction may increase with discontinuation of these inducers as the levels of induced enzyme normalizes. Concomitant use is contraindicated.
• Weak CYP2C19 Inhibitors or Moderate CYP3A4 Inhibitors: Concomitant use with a weak CYP2C19 inhibitor or a moderate CYP3A4 inhibitor increases CAMZYOS exposure, which may increase the risk of adverse drug reactions. Initiate CAMZYOS at the recommended starting dose of 5 mg orally once daily in patients who are on stable therapy with a weak CYP2C19 inhibitor or a moderate CYP3A4 inhibitor. Reduce dose of CAMZYOS by one level (i.e., 15 to 10 mg, 10 to 5 mg, or 5 to 2.5 mg) in patients who are on CAMZYOS treatment and intend to initiate a weak CYP2C19 inhibitor or a moderate CYP3A4 inhibitor. Schedule clinical and echocardiographic assessment 4 weeks after inhibitor initiation, and do not up-titrate CAMZYOS until 12 weeks after inhibitor initiation. Avoid initiation of concomitant weak CYP2C19 and moderate CYP3A4 inhibitors in patients who are on stable treatment with 2.5 mg of CAMZYOS because a lower dose is not available.

Potential for CAMZYOS to Affect Plasma Concentrations of Other Drugs

CAMZYOS is an inducer of CYP3A4, CYP2C9, and CYP2C19. Concomitant use with CYP3A4, CYP2C19, or CYP2C9 substrates may reduce plasma concentration of these drugs. Closely monitor when CAMZYOS is used in combination with CYP3A4, CYP2C19, or CYP2C9 substrates where decreases in the plasma concentration of these drugs may reduce their activity.

Hormonal Contraceptives: Progestin and ethinyl estradiol are CYP3A4 substrates. Concomitant use of CAMZYOS may decrease exposures of ethinyl estradiol and progestin, which may lead to contraceptive failure or an increase in breakthrough bleeding. Advise patients to use a contraceptive method that is not affected by CYP 450 enzyme induction (e.g., intrauterine system) or add nonhormonal contraception (such as condoms) during concomitant use and for 4 months after the last dose of CAMZYOS.

Drugs That Reduce Cardiac Contractility

Expect additive negative inotropic effects of CAMZYOS and other drugs that reduce cardiac contractility. Avoid concomitant use of CAMZYOS with disopyramide in combination with verapamil or diltiazem. If concomitant therapy with a negative inotrope is initiated, or if the dose of a negative inotrope is increased, monitor LVEF closely until stable doses and clinical response have been achieved.

SPECIFIC POPULATIONS

Pregnancy

CAMZYOS may cause fetal harm when administered to a pregnant female. Advise pregnant females about the potential risk to the fetus with maternal exposure to CAMZYOS during pregnancy. There is a pregnancy safety study for CAMZYOS. If CAMZYOS is administered during pregnancy, or if a patient becomes pregnant while receiving CAMZYOS or within 4 months after the last dose of CAMZYOS, healthcare providers should report CAMZYOS exposure by contacting Bristol Myers Squibb at 1-800-721-5072 or www.bms.com.

Lactation

The presence of CAMZYOS in human or animal milk, the drug’s effects on the breastfed infant, or the effects on milk production are unknown. The developmental and health benefits of breastfeeding should be considered along with the mother’s clinical need for CAMZYOS and any potential adverse effects on the breastfed child from CAMZYOS or from the underlying maternal condition.

Females and Males of Reproductive Potential

Confirm absence of pregnancy in females of reproductive potential prior to initiation of CAMZYOS. Advise females of reproductive potential to use effective contraception during treatment with CAMZYOS and for 4 months after the last dose. Use of CAMZYOS may reduce the effectiveness of CHCs. Advise patients using CHCs to use an alternative contraceptive method or add nonhormonal contraception.

Please see US Full Prescribing Information, including Boxed WARNING and Medication Guide.

About Bristol Myers Squibb

Bristol Myers Squibb is a global biopharmaceutical company whose mission is to discover, develop and deliver innovative medicines that help patients prevail over serious diseases. For more information about Bristol Myers Squibb, visit us at BMS.com or follow us on LinkedIn, Twitter, YouTube, Facebook and Instagram.

Cautionary Statement Regarding Forward-Looking Statements

This press release contains “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 regarding, among other things, the research, development and commercialization of pharmaceutical products. All statements that are not statements of historical facts are, or may be deemed to be, forward-looking statements. Such forward-looking statements are based on current expectations and projections about our future financial results, goals, plans and objectives and involve inherent risks, assumptions and uncertainties, including internal or external factors that could delay, divert or change any of them in the next several years, that are difficult to predict, may be beyond our control and could cause our future financial results, goals, plans and objectives to differ materially from those expressed in, or implied by, the statements. These risks, assumptions, uncertainties and other factors include, among others, that the CHMP opinion is not binding on the EC, that CAMZYOS^® (mavacamten) may not receive regulatory approval for the indication described in this release in the currently anticipated timeline or at all, that any marketing approvals, if granted, may have significant limitations on their use, and, if approved, that such product candidate for such indication described in this release will be commercially successful. Forward-looking statements in this press release should be evaluated together with the many risks and uncertainties that affect Bristol Myers Squibb’s business and market, particularly those identified in the cautionary statement and risk factors discussion in Bristol Myers Squibb’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2022, as updated by our subsequent Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q, Current Reports on Form 8-K and other filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The forward-looking statements included in this document are made only as of the date of this document and except as otherwise required by applicable law, Bristol Myers Squibb undertakes no obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statement, whether as a result of new information, future events, changed circumstances or otherwise.

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FAQ

What is the significance of the CHMP recommendation for BMY's CAMZYOS?

The CHMP's recommendation is significant as it could lead to CAMZYOS being the first approved treatment in Europe for obstructive HCM, addressing a critical unmet need.

What were the results of the EXPLORER-HCM trial for CAMZYOS?

The EXPLORER-HCM trial showed that CAMZYOS met all primary and secondary endpoints with statistical significance, demonstrating improvements in exercise capacity and symptoms compared to placebo.

Has CAMZYOS received any approvals outside of the U.S.?

Yes, CAMZYOS is approved in several countries, including Australia, Canada, Brazil, and Switzerland.

What are the risks associated with using CAMZYOS?

The primary risk associated with CAMZYOS is heart failure due to its effect on reducing left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF).

What are the next steps for CAMZYOS following the CHMP recommendation?

The next step is for the European Commission to review the CHMP's opinion and make a final decision on the approval of CAMZYOS for use in Europe.