Long-Term Data from Pivotal KarMMa Study Continue to Demonstrate Deep and Durable Responses and Predictable Safety Profile with Bristol Myers Squibb and bluebird bio’s Abecma (idecabtagene vicleucel) in Relapsed or Refractory Multiple Myeloma
Bristol Myers Squibb (BMY) and bluebird bio (BLUE) revealed new findings from the pivotal KarMMa study on Abecma (idecabtagene vicleucel), a CAR T cell therapy for multiple myeloma. Updated results show a consistent overall response rate of 73% and a complete response in 33% of patients after a median follow-up of 24.8 months. The safety profile indicates common adverse events include cytopenias (97%) and cytokine release syndrome (84%). Abecma remains the first BCMA-directed CAR T therapy approved by the FDA, with ongoing reviews in other regions.
- Overall response rate of 73% in patients treated with Abecma.
- 33% of patients achieved a complete response.
- Median overall survival of 24.8 months observed in the study.
- Abecma is the first BCMA-directed CAR T therapy approved by the FDA.
- 97% of patients experienced cytopenias.
- Cytokine release syndrome occurred in 84% of patients, with severe cases reported.
- 18% of patients reported neurotoxicity, raising safety concerns.
Bristol Myers Squibb (NYSE: BMY) and bluebird bio, Inc. (Nasdaq: BLUE) today announced new data and analyses from the pivotal KarMMa study evaluating Abecma (idecabtagene vicleucel), a B-cell maturation antigen (BCMA)-directed chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T cell therapy, to be presented at the American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) 2021 Virtual Annual Meeting. These data include updated results (Abstract #8016) and analysis of characteristics of treatment-associated neurotoxicity (Abstract #8036) from the KarMMa study of Abecma in triple-class exposed relapsed or refractory multiple myeloma. The updated KarMMa results will be shared in a poster discussion on June 4 at 9:00 a.m. EDT.
In the pivotal KarMMa study, 128 patients with relapsed or refractory multiple myeloma who had received at least three prior treatment regimens including an immunomodulatory agent, a proteasome inhibitor and an anti-CD38 antibody were treated with Abecma at the target dose levels of 150 x 106 to 450 x 106 CAR-positive T cells. Patients had a median of six prior regimens (range: 3-16), with
With a median follow-up of 24.8 months in 128 patients treated with Abecma, representing the longest follow-up to date from a global clinical trial of a CAR T cell therapy in multiple myeloma, the overall response rate (ORR; primary endpoint) remained consistent, with
Cytopenias (
“Longer-term data from our pivotal KarMMa study for Abecma further demonstrate the potential of this first-in-class BCMA-directed CAR T cell therapy to deliver clinically meaningful outcomes with a predictable safety profile for patients with relapsed or refractory multiple myeloma, underscoring the strength of this novel and individualized treatment,” said Kristen Hege, senior vice president, Early Clinical Development, Hematology/Oncology & Cell Therapy. “Building on our legacy in multiple myeloma and other hematologic malignancies, Bristol Myers Squibb will continue to evaluate Abecma for patients with critical unmet need.”
“The pivotal KarMMa study provides the longest follow-up for any CAR T cell therapy evaluated in a global clinical trial in multiple myeloma and, with a median follow-up of 24.8 months, we are continuing to see durability of responses and long-term survival across the study population, regardless of number of prior lines of therapy,” said Anna Truppel-Hartmann, Vice President Clinical Development Oncology, bluebird bio. “The results we are observing in patients who are heavily pre-treated and triple-class exposed validates the transformative potential of the newly approved Abecma in relapsed or refractory myeloma. We look forward to advancing our broad clinical development program to bring this therapy to even more patients who may benefit.”
In a separate analysis from the KarMMa study evaluating the characteristics of treatment-associated NT that occurred in
“With these updated data from the KarMMa study, we are seeing the longest follow-up from a global clinical trial for an anti-BCMA CAR T cell therapy in multiple myeloma, which continues to reinforce that ide-cel provides deep and durable responses with the potential for long-term disease control and survival in patients with triple-class exposed relapsed or refractory multiple myeloma,” said Larry D. Anderson Jr., M.D., Ph.D., associate professor, Harold C. Simmons Comprehensive Cancer Center at UT Southwestern Medical Center. “Additionally, the benefit-risk profile of ide-cel is further reinforced by the updated data with low rates of severe CRS and our separate analysis showing low rates of mostly low-grade neurotoxicity in the KarMMa study, confirming that ide-cel represents an important treatment option for patients who have been exposed to many prior therapies.”
Abecma is the first BCMA-directed CAR T cell therapy to be approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), and is indicated for the treatment of adult patients with relapsed or refractory multiple myeloma after four or more prior lines of therapy, including an immunomodulatory agent, a proteasome inhibitor, and an anti-CD38 monoclonal antibody. The U.S. Prescribing Information for Abecma has a BOXED WARNING for the risks of cytokine release syndrome (CRS), neurologic toxicities (NT), Hemophagocytic Lymphohistiocytosis/Macrophage Activation Syndrome (HLH/MAS), and Prolonged Cytopenia.3
Bristol Myers Squibb's Marketing Authorization Appplication for Abecma is currently under review by the European Medicines Agency. Regulatory applications for Abecma are also currently under review in Canada, Switzerland and Japan.
Disclosure: Dr. Anderson has served on advisory boards for Bristol Myers Squibb.
Indication
ABECMA (idecabtagene vicleucel) is a B-cell maturation antigen (BCMA)-directed genetically modified autologous T cell immunotherapy indicated for the treatment of adult patients with relapsed or refractory multiple myeloma after four or more prior lines of therapy, including an immunomodulatory agent, a proteasome inhibitor, and an anti-CD38 monoclonal antibody.
Important Safety Information
BOXED WARNING: CYTOKINE RELEASE SYNDROME, NEUROLOGIC TOXICITIES, HLH/MAS, AND PROLONGED CYTOPENIA
- Cytokine Release Syndrome (CRS), including fatal or life-threatening reactions, occurred in patients following treatment with ABECMA. Do not administer ABECMA to patients with active infection or inflammatory disorders. Treat severe or life-threatening CRS with tocilizumab or tocilizumab and corticosteroids.
- Neurologic Toxicities, which may be severe or life-threatening, occurred following treatment with ABECMA, including concurrently with CRS, after CRS resolution, or in the absence of CRS. Monitor for neurologic events after treatment with ABECMA. Provide supportive care and/or corticosteroids as needed.
- Hemophagocytic Lymphohistiocytosis/Macrophage Activation Syndrome (HLH/MAS) including fatal and life-threatening reactions, occurred in patients following treatment with ABECMA. HLH/MAS can occur with CRS or neurologic toxicities.
- Prolonged Cytopenia with bleeding and infection, including fatal outcomes following stem cell transplantation for hematopoietic recovery, occurred following treatment with ABECMA.
- ABECMA is available only through a restricted program under a Risk Evaluation and Mitigation Strategy (REMS) called the ABECMA REMS.
Cytokine Release Syndrome (CRS): CRS, including fatal or life-threatening reactions, occurred following treatment with ABECMA. CRS occurred in
Identify CRS based on clinical presentation. Evaluate for and treat other causes of fever, hypoxia, and hypotension. CRS has been reported to be associated with findings of HLH/MAS, and the physiology of the syndromes may overlap. HLH/MAS is a potentially life-threatening condition. In patients with progressive symptoms of CRS or refractory CRS despite treatment, evaluate for evidence of HLH/MAS.
Fifty four percent (68/127) of patients received tocilizumab;
Overall rate of CRS was
Monitor patients at least daily for 7 days following ABECMA infusion at the REMS-certified healthcare facility for signs and symptoms of CRS. Monitor patients for signs or symptoms of CRS for at least 4 weeks after infusion. At the first sign of CRS, institute treatment with supportive care, tocilizumab and/or corticosteroids as indicated.
Counsel patients to seek immediate medical attention should signs or symptoms of CRS occur at any time.
Neurologic Toxicities: Neurologic toxicities, which may be severe or life-threatening, occurred following treatment with ABECMA, including concurrently with CRS, after CRS resolution, or in the absence of CRS. CAR T cell-associated neurotoxicity occurred in
Monitor patients at least daily for 7 days following ABECMA infusion at the REMS-certified healthcare facility for signs and symptoms of neurologic toxicities. Rule out other causes of neurologic symptoms. Monitor patients for signs or symptoms of neurologic toxicities for at least 4 weeks after infusion and treat promptly. Neurologic toxicity should be managed with supportive care and/or corticosteroids as needed.
Counsel patients to seek immediate medical attention should signs or symptoms of neurologic toxicity occur at any time.
Hemophagocytic Lymphohistiocytosis (HLH)/Macrophage Activation Syndrome (MAS): HLH/MAS occurred in
ABECMA REMS: Due to the risk of CRS and neurologic toxicities, ABECMA is available only through a restricted program under a Risk Evaluation and Mitigation Strategy (REMS) called the ABECMA REMS. Further information is available at www.AbecmaREMS.com or 1-888-423-5436.
Hypersensitivity Reactions: Allergic reactions may occur with the infusion of ABECMA. Serious hypersensitivity reactions, including anaphylaxis, may be due to dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) in ABECMA.
Infections: ABECMA should not be administered to patients with active infections or inflammatory disorders. Severe, life-threatening, or fatal infections occurred in patients after ABECMA infusion. Infections (all grades) occurred in
Febrile neutropenia was observed in
Viral Reactivation: Cytomegalovirus (CMV) infection resulting in pneumonia and death has occurred following ABECMA administration. Monitor and treat for CMV reactivation in accordance with clinical guidelines. 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 plasma cells. Perform screening for CMV, HBV, hepatitis C virus (HCV), and human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) in accordance with clinical guidelines before collection of cells for manufacturing.
Prolonged Cytopenias: Patients may exhibit prolonged cytopenias following lymphodepleting chemotherapy and ABECMA infusion. In the KarMMa study,
Three patients underwent stem cell therapy for hematopoietic reconstitution due to prolonged cytopenia. Two of the three patients died from complications of prolonged cytopenia. Monitor blood counts prior to and after ABECMA infusion. Manage cytopenia with myeloid growth factor and blood product transfusion support according to institutional guidelines.
Hypogammaglobulinemia: Plasma cell aplasia and hypogammaglobulinemia can occur in patients receiving treatment with ABECMA. Hypogammaglobulinemia was reported as an adverse event in
Monitor immunoglobulin levels after treatment with ABECMA and administer IVIG for IgG <400 mg/dl. Manage per local institutional guidelines, including infection precautions and antibiotic or antiviral prophylaxis.
The safety of immunization with live viral vaccines during or following ABECMA 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 ABECMA treatment, and until immune recovery following treatment with ABECMA.
Secondary Malignancies: Patients treated with ABECMA may develop secondary malignancies. Monitor life-long for secondary malignancies. If a secondary malignancy occurs, contact Bristol Myers Squibb at 1-888-805-4555 to obtain instructions on patient samples to collect for testing of secondary malignancy of T cell origin.
Effects on Ability to Drive and Operate Machinery: Due to the potential for neurologic events, including altered mental status or seizures, patients receiving ABECMA are at risk for altered or decreased consciousness or coordination in the 8 weeks following ABECMA infusion. Advise patients to refrain from driving and engaging in hazardous occupations or activities, such as operating heavy or potentially dangerous machinery, during this initial period.
Adverse Reactions: The most common nonlaboratory adverse reactions (incidence greater than or equal to
Please see full Prescribing Information, including Boxed WARNINGS and Medication Guide.
About Abecma
Abecma is the first-in-class B-cell maturation antigen (BCMA)-directed chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T cell immunotherapy approved in the U.S. for the treatment of adult patients with relapsed or refractory multiple myeloma after four or more prior lines of therapy, including an immunomodulatory agent, a proteasome inhibitor, and an anti-CD38 monoclonal antibody. Abecma recognizes and binds to BCMA on the surface of multiple myeloma cells leading to CAR T cell proliferation, cytokine secretion, and subsequent cytolytic killing of BCMA-expressing cells. Abecma is being jointly developed and commercialized in the U.S. as part of a Co-Development, Co-Promotion, and Profit Share Agreement with Bristol Myers Squibb and bluebird bio.
Bristol Myers Squibb and bluebird bio’s broad clinical development program for Abecma includes clinical studies (KarMMa-2, KarMMa-3, KarMMa-4, KarMMa-7) in earlier lines of treatment for patients with multiple myeloma, including newly diagnosed multiple myeloma. For more information visit clinicaltrials.gov.
Bristol Myers Squibb: Creating a Better Future for People with Cancer
Bristol Myers Squibb is inspired by a single vision—transforming patients’ lives through science. The goal of the company’s cancer research is to deliver medicines that offer each patient a better, healthier life and to make cure a possibility. Building on a legacy across a broad range of cancers that have changed survival expectations for many, Bristol Myers Squibb researchers are exploring new frontiers in personalized medicine, and through innovative digital platforms, are turning data into insights that sharpen their focus. Deep scientific expertise, cutting-edge capabilities and discovery platforms enable the company to look at cancer from every angle. Cancer can have a relentless grasp on many parts of a patient’s life, and Bristol Myers Squibb is committed to taking actions to address all aspects of care, from diagnosis to survivorship. Because as a leader in cancer care, Bristol Myers Squibb is working to empower all people with cancer to have a better future.
Learn more about the science behind cell therapy and ongoing research at Bristol Myers Squibb here.
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.
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FAQ
What were the results of the KarMMa study for Abecma presented at ASCO 2021?
What is the safety profile of Abecma according to the new data?
When will the updated data from the KarMMa study be presented?
What are the implications of the KarMMa study results for investors in BMY and BLUE?
What is the significance of Abecma being the first BCMA-directed CAR T therapy approved?