European Medicines Agency Validates Bristol Myers Squibb’s Application for CAR T Cell Therapy Breyanzi for Relapsed or Refractory Follicular Lymphoma
Bristol Myers Squibb (NYSE: BMY) announced that the European Medicines Agency (EMA) has validated its application to expand the indication for Breyanzi, a CAR T cell therapy, for treating adult patients with relapsed or refractory follicular lymphoma who have received two or more prior lines of systemic therapy. The application is based on data from the Phase 2 TRANSCEND FL study, which showed high overall response rates with deep and durable responses. Breyanzi demonstrated a consistent and manageable safety profile.
Additionally, Breyanzi received approval in Japan for treating relapsed or refractory follicular lymphoma after one prior line of systemic therapy in high-risk patients and after two or more lines of systemic therapy. This makes it the first CAR T treatment approved for this high-risk population with unmet needs.
Bristol Myers Squibb (NYSE: BMY) ha annunciato che l'Agenzia Europea dei Medicinali (EMA) ha validato la sua domanda di espansione dell'indicazione per Breyanzi, una terapia CAR T cell, per il trattamento di pazienti adulti con linfoma follicolare recidivante o refrattario che hanno ricevuto due o più precedenti linee di terapia sistemica. La domanda si basa su dati dello studio di Fase 2 TRANSCEND FL, che ha mostrato alti tassi di risposta globale con risposte profonde e durature. Breyanzi ha dimostrato un profilo di sicurezza consistente e gestibile.
Inoltre, Breyanzi ha ricevuto approvazione in Giappone per il trattamento del linfoma follicolare recidivante o refrattario dopo una linea precedente di terapia sistemica in pazienti ad alto rischio e dopo due o più linee di terapia sistemica. Questo lo rende il primo trattamento CAR T approvato per questa popolazione ad alto rischio con bisogni non soddisfatti.
Bristol Myers Squibb (NYSE: BMY) anunció que la Agencia Europea de Medicamentos (EMA) ha validado su solicitud para ampliar la indicación de Breyanzi, una terapia CAR T, para tratar a pacientes adultos con linfoma folicular en recaída o refractario que han recibido dos o más líneas anteriores de terapia sistémica. La solicitud se basa en datos del estudio de Fase 2 TRANSCEND FL, que mostró altas tasas de respuesta global con respuestas profundas y duraderas. Breyanzi demostró un perfil de seguridad consistente y manejable.
Además, Breyanzi recibió aprobación en Japón para tratar el linfoma folicular en recaída o refractario después de una línea previa de terapia sistémica en pacientes de alto riesgo y después de dos o más líneas de terapia sistémica. Esto lo convierte en el primer tratamiento CAR T aprobado para esta población de alto riesgo con necesidades insatisfechas.
Bristol Myers Squibb (NYSE: BMY)는 유럽의약청(EMA)이 Breyanzi의 적응증 확대 신청을 검증했다고 발표했습니다. Breyanzi는 CAR T 세포 치료제로, 재발성 또는 불응성 여포 림프종이 있는 성인 환자를 치료하기 위해 사용됩니다. 이 환자들은 두 번 이상의 이전 전신 요법을 받은 경험이 있습니다. 이 신청은 높은 전체 반응률과 깊고 지속적인 반응을 보인 2상 TRANSCEND FL 연구 데이터에 기반하고 있습니다. Breyanzi는 일관되고 관리 가능한 안전성 프로필을 보여줬습니다.
추가적으로, Breyanzi는 일본에서 고위험 환자를 대상으로 한 이전 전신 요법 이후 재발성 또는 불응성 여포 림프종 치료를 위해 승인받았습니다. 이는 두 번 이상의 전신 요법을 받은 환자들에도 적용됩니다. 이는 이 고위험 집단을 위한 첫 번째 CAR T 치료법으로 승인되었습니다 불만족스러운 요구가 있는 환자들을 위해.
Bristol Myers Squibb (NYSE: BMY) a annoncé que l'Agence Européenne des Médicaments (EMA) a validé sa demande d'extension de l'indication pour Breyanzi, une thérapie à base de cellules CAR T, pour traiter les patients adultes atteints de lymphome folliculaire en rechute ou réfractaire ayant reçu deux ou plusieurs lignes précédentes de thérapie systémique. La demande est fondée sur des données de l'étude de phase 2 TRANSCEND FL, qui a montré des taux de réponse globaux élevés avec des réponses profondes et durables. Breyanzi a démontré un profil de sécurité cohérent et gérable.
De plus, Breyanzi a reçu l'approbation au Japon pour traiter le lymphome folliculaire en rechute ou réfractaire après une ligne précédente de thérapie systémique chez des patients à haut risque et après deux ou plusieurs lignes de thérapie systémique. Cela en fait le premier traitement CAR T approuvé pour cette population à haut risque ayant des besoins non satisfaits.
Bristol Myers Squibb (NYSE: BMY) gab bekannt, dass die Europäische Arzneimittel-Agentur (EMA) den Antrag zur Erweiterung der Indikation für Breyanzi, eine CAR-T-Zelltherapie, validiert hat, um erwachsene Patienten mit rezidiviertem oder refraktärem follikulärem Lymphom zu behandeln, die zwei oder mehr vorherige Linien systemischer Therapie erhalten haben. Der Antrag basiert auf Daten aus der Phase-2-Studie TRANSCEND FL, die hohe Gesamtanstiegsraten mit tiefen und langlebigen Reaktionen zeigte. Breyanzi hat ein konsistentes und handhabbares Sicherheitsprofil demonstriert.
Darüber hinaus erhielt Breyanzi die Zulassung in Japan zur Behandlung von rezidiviertem oder refraktärem follikulärem Lymphom nach einer vorherigen Zeile systemischer Therapie bei Hochrisikopatienten und nach zwei oder mehr Linien systemischer Therapie. Dies macht es zur ersten CAR-T-Behandlung, die für diese Hochrisikopopulation mit unerfüllten Bedürfnissen genehmigt wurde.
- EMA validation of application to expand Breyanzi's indication for relapsed/refractory follicular lymphoma
- High overall response rates with deep and durable responses in Phase 2 TRANSCEND FL study
- Consistent and manageable safety profile demonstrated
- Approval in Japan for treating relapsed/refractory follicular lymphoma in high-risk patients
- First CAR T treatment approved for high-risk follicular lymphoma population in Japan
- None.
Insights
The EMA's validation of Bristol Myers Squibb's application for Breyanzi in relapsed/refractory follicular lymphoma is a significant development. This CAR T cell therapy has shown deep and durable responses in the TRANSCEND FL trial, the largest study of its kind in indolent non-Hodgkin lymphoma.
Key points:
- Breyanzi demonstrated a high overall response rate, the primary endpoint
- Safety profile is consistent with previous trials
- If approved, it could offer a new treatment option for patients with alternatives
This expansion could potentially address an unmet need in follicular lymphoma treatment, particularly for patients who have relapsed or are refractory to multiple lines of therapy. The approval in Japan for high-risk FL after one prior line of therapy is also noteworthy, potentially changing the treatment landscape for this patient population.
The potential approval of Breyanzi for follicular lymphoma in Europe is promising. FL is typically considered incurable, with patients often experiencing multiple relapses. Current treatments offer diminishing returns with each subsequent line of therapy.
Breyanzi's mechanism as a CD19-directed CAR T cell therapy offers a novel approach. The 4-1BB costimulatory domain enhances CAR T cell expansion and persistence, potentially leading to more durable responses. This could be particularly beneficial for patients who have exhausted conventional treatment options.
However, it's important to consider the safety profile, particularly the risks of cytokine release syndrome and neurologic toxicities. While manageable, these side effects require close monitoring and prompt intervention. The one-time treatment nature of CAR T therapy could also offer extended treatment-free intervals, a significant quality of life benefit for patients.
This regulatory progress for Breyanzi in Europe and Japan represents a significant market opportunity for Bristol Myers Squibb. Follicular lymphoma accounts for
Key financial implications:
- Expanded market: Approval would allow BMS to tap into a new patient segment
- Competitive advantage: First-mover status in high-risk FL after one prior therapy in Japan
- Revenue growth: Potential for increased Breyanzi sales, supporting BMS's oncology portfolio
However, investors should consider the high cost of CAR T therapies and potential reimbursement challenges. The one-time nature of the treatment could also impact long-term revenue streams. Overall, this development strengthens BMS's position in the competitive CAR T market and could drive future growth in its hematology franchise.
Application based on the TRANSCEND FL trial in which Breyanzi showed deep and durable responses and a consistent and well-established safety profile
Breyanzi also received approval in
“Follicular lymphoma impacts a significant number of people, and those with relapsed or refractory disease tend to experience shorter responses with each new line of therapy,” said Anne Kerber, senior vice president, head of Late Clinical Development, Hematology, Oncology and Cell Therapy (HOCT), Bristol Myers Squibb. “Breyanzi represents a differentiated CAR T cell therapy, and we look forward to working with the European Medicines Agency to bring this important treatment option to patients with relapsed or refractory follicular lymphoma with the goal of improving outcomes and providing lasting remission.”
The application is supported by data from the Phase 2 TRANSCEND FL study, the largest clinical trial to date to evaluate a CAR T cell therapy in patients with relapsed or refractory indolent non-Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL), including FL. The study enrolled adults with relapsed or refractory FL treated with Breyanzi in the high-risk second-line and third-line plus setting. In the study, Breyanzi demonstrated a high overall response rate, the study’s primary endpoint, with responses being deep and durable. The safety of Breyanzi in FL is consistent with the well-established and manageable safety profile of Breyanzi observed across clinical trials.
Follicular lymphoma is the second most common form of NHL, accounting for 20 to 30 percent of all NHL cases. FL has historically been considered an incurable disease with patients frequently relapsing following front-line therapy and prognosis worsening after each subsequent relapse. Despite advances in treatment, there remains an unmet need for additional options that offer treatment-free intervals with durable, complete responses.
Breyanzi is currently approved in the European Union for the treatment of adult patients with relapsed or refractory diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL), high grade B-cell lymphoma (HGBCL), primary mediastinal large B-cell lymphoma (PMBCL) and FL grade 3B (FL3B), who relapsed within 12 months from completion of, or are refractory to, first-line chemoimmunotherapy, and for the treatment of adult patients with relapsed or refractory DLBCL, PMBCL, and FL3B after two or more lines of systemic therapy.
A supplemental New Drug Application for Breyanzi for the treatment of relapsed or refractory follicular lymphoma after one prior line of systemic therapy in patients with high-risk FL and after two or more lines of systemic therapy has also been approved by Japan’s Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare based on results of the TRANSCEND FL study, making it the first CAR T approved in the second-line setting anywhere and the third approval for Breyanzi in
About TRANSCEND FL
TRANSCEND FL (NCT04245839) is an open-label, global, multicenter, Phase 2, single-arm study to determine the efficacy and safety of Breyanzi in adult patients with relapsed or refractory indolent B-cell non-Hodgkin lymphoma, including follicular lymphoma. The primary outcome measure is overall response rate, including best overall response of complete response or partial response as determined by an Independent Review Committee. Secondary outcome measures include complete response rate, duration of response, progression-free survival, and safety.
About Breyanzi
Breyanzi is a CD19-directed CAR T cell therapy with a 4-1BB costimulatory domain, which enhances the expansion and persistence of the CAR T cells. Breyanzi is made from a patient’s own T cells, which are collected and genetically reengineered to become CAR T cells that are then delivered via infusion as a one-time treatment.
Breyanzi is approved in the
Bristol Myers Squibb’s clinical development program for Breyanzi includes clinical studies in other types of lymphoma. For more information, visit clinicaltrials.gov.
Full European Summary of Product Characteristics for Breyanzi is available from the EMA website at www.ema.europa.eu.
BREYANZI is a CD19-directed genetically modified autologous T cell immunotherapy indicated for the treatment of:
- adult patients with large B-cell lymphoma (LBCL), including diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL) not otherwise specified (including DLBCL arising from indolent lymphoma), high-grade B cell lymphoma, primary mediastinal large B-cell lymphoma, and follicular lymphoma grade 3B, who have:
- refractory disease to first-line chemoimmunotherapy or relapse within 12 months of first-line chemoimmunotherapy; or
- refractory disease to first-line chemoimmunotherapy or relapse after first-line chemoimmunotherapy and are not eligible for hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) due to comorbidities or age; or
- relapsed or refractory disease after two or more lines of systemic therapy.
Limitations of Use: BREYANZI is not indicated for the treatment of patients with primary central nervous system lymphoma.
- adult patients with relapsed or refractory chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) or small lymphocytic lymphoma (SLL) who have received at least 2 prior lines of therapy, including a Bruton tyrosine kinase (BTK) inhibitor and a B-cell lymphoma 2 (BCL-2) inhibitor. This indication is approved under accelerated approval based on response rate and duration of response. Continued approval for this indication may be contingent upon verification and description of clinical benefit in confirmatory trial(s).
- adult patients with relapsed or refractory follicular lymphoma (FL) who have received 2 or more prior lines of systemic therapy. This indication is approved under accelerated approval based on response rate and duration of response. Continued approval for this indication may be contingent upon verification and description of clinical benefit in confirmatory trial(s).
- adult patients with relapsed or refractory mantle cell lymphoma (MCL) who have received at least 2 prior lines of systemic therapy, including a Bruton tyrosine kinase (BTK) inhibitor.
WARNING: CYTOKINE RELEASE SYNDROME, NEUROLOGIC TOXICITIES, AND SECONDARY HEMATOLOGICAL MALIGNANCIES
- Cytokine Release Syndrome (CRS), including fatal or life-threatening reactions, occurred in patients receiving BREYANZI. Do not administer BREYANZI to patients with active infection or inflammatory disorders. Treat severe or life-threatening CRS with tocilizumab with or without corticosteroids.
- Neurologic toxicities, including fatal or life-threatening reactions, occurred in patients receiving BREYANZI, including concurrently with CRS, after CRS resolution, or in the absence of CRS. Monitor for neurologic events after treatment with BREYANZI. Provide supportive care and/or corticosteroids as needed.
- T cell malignancies have occurred following treatment of hematologic malignancies with BCMA- and CD19-directed genetically modified autologous T cell immunotherapies, including BREYANZI.
- BREYANZI is available only through a restricted program under a Risk Evaluation and Mitigation Strategy (REMS) called the BREYANZI REMS.
Cytokine Release Syndrome
Cytokine release syndrome (CRS), including fatal or life-threatening reactions, occurred following treatment with BREYANZI. In clinical trials of BREYANZI, which enrolled a total of 702 patients with non-Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL), CRS occurred in
Serious events that may be associated with CRS include cardiac arrhythmias (including atrial fibrillation and ventricular tachycardia), cardiac arrest, cardiac failure, diffuse alveolar damage, renal insufficiency, capillary leak syndrome, hypotension, hypoxia, and hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis/macrophage activation syndrome (HLH/MAS).
Ensure that 2 doses of tocilizumab are available prior to infusion of BREYANZI.
Neurologic Toxicities
Neurologic toxicities that were fatal or life-threatening, including immune effector cell-associated neurotoxicity syndrome (ICANS), occurred following treatment with BREYANZI. Serious events including cerebral edema and seizures occurred with BREYANZI. Fatal and serious cases of leukoencephalopathy, some attributable to fludarabine, also occurred.
In clinical trials of BREYANZI, CAR T cell-associated neurologic toxicities occurred in
The most common neurologic toxicities (≥
CRS and Neurologic Toxicities Monitoring
Monitor patients daily for at least 7 days following BREYANZI infusion at a REMS-certified healthcare facility for signs and symptoms of CRS and neurologic toxicities and assess for other causes of neurological symptoms. Monitor patients for signs and symptoms of CRS and neurologic toxicities for at least 4 weeks after infusion and treat promptly. At the first sign of CRS, institute treatment with supportive care, tocilizumab, or tocilizumab and corticosteroids as indicated. Manage neurologic toxicity with supportive care and/or corticosteroid as needed. Counsel patients to seek immediate medical attention should signs or symptoms of CRS or neurologic toxicity occur at any time.
BREYANZI REMS
Because of the risk of CRS and neurologic toxicities, BREYANZI is available only through a restricted program under a Risk Evaluation and Mitigation Strategy (REMS) called the BREYANZI REMS. The required components of the BREYANZI REMS are:
- Healthcare facilities that dispense and administer BREYANZI must be enrolled and comply with the REMS requirements.
- Certified healthcare facilities must have on-site, immediate access to tocilizumab.
- Ensure that a minimum of 2 doses of tocilizumab are available for each patient for infusion within 2 hours after BREYANZI infusion, if needed for treatment of CRS.
Further information is available at www.BreyanziREMS.com, or contact Bristol Myers Squibb at 1-866-340-7332.
Hypersensitivity Reactions
Allergic reactions may occur with the infusion of BREYANZI. Serious hypersensitivity reactions, including anaphylaxis, may be due to dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO).
Serious Infections
Severe infections, including life-threatening or fatal infections, have occurred in patients after BREYANZI infusion. In clinical trials of BREYANZI, infections of any grade occurred in
Febrile neutropenia developed after BREYANZI infusion in
Monitor patients for signs and symptoms of infection before and after BREYANZI administration and treat appropriately. Administer prophylactic antimicrobials according to standard institutional guidelines. Avoid administration of BREYANZI in patients with clinically significant, active systemic infections.
Viral reactivation: Hepatitis B virus (HBV) reactivation, in some cases resulting in fulminant hepatitis, hepatic failure, and death, can occur in patients treated with drugs directed against B cells. In clinical trials of BREYANZI, 35 of 38 patients with a prior history of HBV were treated with concurrent antiviral suppressive therapy.
Perform screening for HBV, HCV, and HIV in accordance with clinical guidelines before collection of cells for manufacturing. In patients with prior history of HBV, consider concurrent antiviral suppressive therapy to prevent HBV reactivation per standard guidelines.
Prolonged Cytopenias
Patients may exhibit cytopenias not resolved for several weeks following lymphodepleting chemotherapy and BREYANZI infusion. In clinical trials of BREYANZI, Grade 3 or higher cytopenias persisted at Day 29 following BREYANZI infusion in
Hypogammaglobulinemia
B-cell aplasia and hypogammaglobulinemia can occur in patients receiving BREYANZI. In clinical trials of BREYANZI, hypogammaglobulinemia was reported as an adverse reaction in
Live vaccines: The safety of immunization with live viral vaccines during or following BREYANZI treatment has not been studied. Vaccination with live virus vaccines is not recommended for at least 6 weeks prior to the start of lymphodepleting chemotherapy, during BREYANZI treatment, and until immune recovery following treatment with BREYANZI.
Secondary Malignancies
Patients treated with BREYANZI may develop secondary malignancies. T cell malignancies have occurred following treatment of hematologic malignancies with BCMA- and CD19-directed genetically modified autologous T cell immunotherapies, including BREYANZI. Mature T cell malignancies, including CAR-positive tumors, may present as soon as weeks following infusion, and may include fatal outcomes. Monitor lifelong for secondary malignancies. In the event that a secondary malignancy occurs, contact Bristol Myers Squibb at 1-888-805-4555 for reporting and to obtain instructions on collection of patient samples for testing.
Effects on Ability to Drive and Use Machines
Due to the potential for neurologic events, including altered mental status or seizures, patients receiving BREYANZI are at risk for developing altered or decreased consciousness or impaired coordination in the 8 weeks following BREYANZI administration. Advise patients to refrain from driving and engaging in hazardous occupations or activities, such as operating heavy or potentially dangerous machinery, for at least 8 weeks.
Immune Effector Cell-Associated Hemophagocytic Lymphohistiocytosis-Like Syndrome (IEC-HS)
Immune Effector Cell-Associated Hemophagocytic Lymphohistiocytosis-Like Syndrome (IEC-HS), including fatal or life-threatening reactions, occurred following treatment with BREYANZI. Three of 89 (
Adverse Reactions
The most common adverse reaction(s) (incidence ≥
- LBCL are fever, cytokine release syndrome, fatigue, musculoskeletal pain, and nausea. The most common Grade 3-4 laboratory abnormalities include lymphocyte count decrease, neutrophil count decrease, platelet count decrease, and hemoglobin decrease.
- CLL/SLL are cytokine release syndrome, encephalopathy, fatigue, musculoskeletal pain, nausea, edema, and diarrhea. The most common Grade 3-4 laboratory abnormalities include neutrophil count decrease, white blood cell decrease, hemoglobin decrease, platelet count decrease, and lymphocyte count decrease.
- FL is cytokine release syndrome. The most common Grade 3-4 laboratory abnormalities include lymphocyte count decrease, neutrophil count decrease, and white blood cell decrease.
- MCL are cytokine release syndrome, fatigue, musculoskeletal pain, and encephalopathy. The most common Grade 3-4 laboratory abnormalities include neutrophil count decrease, white blood cell decrease, and platelet count decrease.
Please see full Prescribing Information, including Boxed WARNINGS and Medication Guide.
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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 Breyanzi (lisocabtagene maraleucel) may not receive EMA regulatory approval for the additional 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, including that continued approval for such additional indication may be contingent upon verification and description of clinical benefit in confirmatory trials, and, if approved, whether Breyanzi for such additional indication described in this release will be commercially successful. No forward-looking statement can be guaranteed. It should also be noted that the validation by the EMA of the application does not change the standards for EMA approval. 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, 2023, 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
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