Kite Data at EHA 2024 Demonstrate Positive Patient Outcomes and Advances in Delivery of CAR T-cell Therapy

Rhea-AI Summary

Kite, a Gilead Company (Nasdaq: GILD), announced 12 abstracts from its CAR T-cell therapy portfolio at the 2024 European Hematology Association Annual Congress. Key highlights include higher manufacturing success rates and improved T-cell performance for Yescarta in second-line treatments for relapsed/refractory large B-cell lymphoma (R/R LBCL). Preliminary results from the ZUMA-24 study show promising safety and efficacy for outpatient administration of Yescarta. An oral presentation highlighted Phase 1 results and Phase 3 trial design of anitocabtagene autoleucel (anito-cel) for relapsed/refractory multiple myeloma (R/R MM). Kite's progress aims to enhance patient outcomes and CAR T-cell therapy accessibility, with additional studies on cost-effectiveness, safety, and real-world outcomes.

Positive

• Higher manufacturing success rates for Yescarta in second-line treatments.
• Improved T-cell performance of Yescarta in relapsed/refractory large B-cell lymphoma (R/R LBCL).
• Promising safety and efficacy results from the Phase 2 ZUMA-24 trial for outpatient administration.
• Ongoing Phase 3 iMMagine-3 trial for anitocabtagene autoleucel (anito-cel) in R/R multiple myeloma (R/R MM).
• Positive real-world outcomes and cost-effectiveness analyses for CAR T-cell therapies in various settings.

Negative

• No mention of improved survival rates or long-term outcomes for patients.
• Preliminary results may not translate into successful clinical applications.
• Potential for severe side effects like cytokine release syndrome (CRS) and neurologic toxicities associated with Yescarta.

Insights

Financial Analyst

Financial Performance and Manufacturing Success

The announcement details the higher manufacturing success rates and improved T-cell performance of Yescarta in second-line versus third-line+ treatment for large B-cell lymphoma. This is a significant development for investors as it indicates cost efficiency and operational effectiveness. Increased success rates can lead to reduced production costs and higher profit margins, positively affecting the company's financial health in the long term.

Additionally, the cost-effectiveness analyses from Sweden and Singapore highlight Yescarta's financial viability compared to standard care. This demonstrates potential for market expansion and higher adoption rates, leading to increased revenue streams.

From a broader market perspective, these advancements could reinforce Gilead's position in the competitive CAR T-cell therapy market, potentially attracting more investors. The company's focus on improving outpatient administration may also reduce hospitalization costs, making treatments more accessible and appealing to both patients and healthcare providers.

Medical Research Analyst

Clinical Advancements and Patient Outcomes

Yescarta's improved manufacturing success rates and T-cell performance in second-line treatments suggest that earlier intervention could be more effective. For patients, this translates to better outcomes and potentially fewer adverse effects, important for those with relapsed or refractory large B-cell lymphoma.

The ongoing Phase 3 iMMagine-3 trial for anitocabtagene autoleucel in multiple myeloma, alongside the promising results from the Phase 1 study, show significant progress in CAR T-cell therapies. The novel D-Domain binder in anitocabtagene autoleucel could enhance T-cell transduction and expression, indicating potentially higher efficacy and durability in patient response.

However, investors should be aware of the severe side effects, such as cytokine release syndrome and neurologic toxicities. While these are managed through protocols, they remain significant risks that could impact the broader adoption and regulatory scrutiny of these therapies.

Tech Expert

Technological Innovations in CAR T-cell Therapy

The technological advancements in Yescarta’s manufacturing process, resulting in higher success rates for earlier lines of therapy, underscore significant strides in biotechnological efficiency. Such innovations not only enhance the production quality but also ensure consistency in therapeutic outcomes, which is essential for regulatory compliance and market trust.

Anitocabtagene autoleucel’s utilization of the D-Domain binder is another noteworthy innovation. The smaller size of the binder facilitates higher T-cell transduction and expression, meaning that more CAR-positive cells can be produced effectively. This could potentially lead to more robust and sustained responses in treated patients, thus offering a competitive edge in the CAR T-cell therapy market.

Investors should consider these technological improvements as they can lead to better treatment outcomes, greater market differentiation and a stronger intellectual property portfolio, all of which can drive long-term growth and shareholder value.

– Analysis Comparing Real-World and Clinical Trial Data Show Yescarta^® Has Higher Manufacturing Success Rates and Improved T-Cell Performance, Respectively, in Second-Line vs. Third-Line+ Treatment of Large B-cell Lymphoma –

– Encore Oral Presentation from the Phase 1 Study of Anitocabtagene autoleucel (anito-cel) in Relapsed/Refractory Multiple Myeloma (R/R MM); Trial Design for Phase 3 iMMagine-3 Pivotal Study for R/R MM to be Published as E-Publication –

SANTA MONICA, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Kite, a Gilead Company (Nasdaq: GILD), today announced 12 abstracts from its industry-leading Chimeric Antigen Receptor (CAR) T-cell therapy portfolio at the upcoming 2024 European Hematology Association (EHA) Annual Congress, June 13-16, Madrid, Spain.

Four presentations will highlight real-world experience with Yescarta (axicabtagene ciloleucel), including manufacturing experience for patients with relapsed/refractory (R/R) large B-cell lymphoma (LBCL) in second-line versus third-line treatment and beyond. The real-world manufacturing analysis investigated potential benefits of administering Yescarta in earlier lines of therapy by assessing manufacturing success rate and product characteristics.

Analyses exploring outpatient administration of Yescarta in R/R LBCL includes preliminary results of the Phase 2 ZUMA-24 study to evaluate the safety and efficacy of Yescarta outpatient administration compared to previous in-hospital clinical trials and real-world evidence. A real-world analysis on the use of Yescarta and Tecartus^® (brexucabtagene autoleucel) assess safety trends and hospitalization rates following treatment to further understand the feasibility of CAR T-cell therapy administration in the outpatient setting.

“Whether it’s continuing to evolve our industry-leading manufacturing capabilities or looking at different ways patients can obtain CAR T-cell therapy, such as in the outpatient setting, our goal is to improve patient outcomes and experience with our therapies,” said Ibrahim Elhoussieny, Vice President, Medical Affairs, Kite. “These data will reflect our progress in helping CAR T reach more people with complex and hard-to-treat blood cancers.”

Kite and its multiple myeloma (MM) partner Arcellx will share the clinical trial design for the pivotal Phase 3 iMMagine-3 trial, which will investigate the efficacy and safety of anitocabtagene autoleucel (anito-cel) versus standard of care in patients with R/R MM. In addition, Arcellx will highlight findings from the Phase 1 study of anito-cel in R/R MM in an oral presentation. Anito-cel is an BCMA CAR T investigational that utilizes a novel binder (or CAR) known as the D-Domain. Its small size (8kDa) facilitates high T-cell transduction and expression, resulting in more CAR positive cells and more CARs expressed per T-cell.

Table of Accepted Abstracts (all times CEST):

Abstract Details	Titles
Lymphomas
Poster P1425 Fri, June 14, 2024 6:00 – 7:00 PM CEST	Real-World Manufacturing Experience of Axicabtagene Ciloleucel for Patients with Relapsed or Refractory Large B-Cell Lymphoma Treated in Second Line versus Third Line of Therapy and Beyond   Jason R. Westin, Dalia Rangel, José G. Ramírez, David Myers, Laura Alquist, Clare Spooner, Harry W. Smith, Rhine R. Shen, Simone Filosto, and Frederick L. Locke.
Poster P1159 Fri, June 14, 2024 6:00 – 7:00 PM CEST	ZUMA-24 Preliminary Analysis: A Phase 2 Study of Axicabtagene Ciloleucel in the Outpatient Setting with Prophylactic Corticosteroids in Patients with Relapsed/Refractory Large B-Cell Lymphoma   Lori A. Leslie, John H. Baird, Ian W. Flinn, Michael Tees, Daanish Hoda, Abhinav Deol, Monica Mead, Brian McClune, Indumathy Vanadarajan, James Essell, Suzanne Fanning, Gary Simmons, William Clark, Aaron P. Rapaport, Tulio E. Rodriguez, Joshua N. Winters, Madison Davis, Harry M. Miao, Yan Zheng, Jenny J. Kim, and Olalekan O. Oluwole.
ePoster P2092 Fri, June 14, 2024 9:00 AM CEST	Complete Response at 6 Months as Associated with Overall Survival After 1L Chemoimmunotherapy for High-Risk Diffuse Large B-Cell Lymphoma: A Pooled Clinical Trial Analysis   Ran Reshef, Zhen-Huan Hu, Sarit Assouline, Corinne Haioun, Bertram Glass, Armin Ghobadi, Rahul Jain, Weixi Chen, Yiling Yang, Kelly Speth, Shilpa A. Shahani, Myrna Nahas, Elizabeth Shima Rich, Clare Spooner, Qinghua Song, Fang Sun, and Michael Dickinson.
Poster P1199 Fri, June 14, 2024 6:00 – 7:00 PM CEST	Real-World Outcomes of Axicabtagene Ciloleucel for Treatment of Relapsed or Refractory Large B-Cell Lymphoma in Canada   Christopher Lemieux, John Kuruvilla, Mona Shafey, Kelly Davidson, Kristjan Paulson, Brent Logan, Matthew Bye, Sue Li, Lieven Billen, Francis Nissen, Hai-Lin Wang, Jenny J. Kim, Harry Smith, Grace Lee, Zhen-Huan Hu, Marcelo C. Pasquini, and Kevin Hay.
Oral S334 Sat, June 15, 2024 4:30 – 5:45 PM CEST	The Cost-Effectiveness of Axicabtagene Ciloleucel versus Standard of Care as Second-Line Therapy in Patients with Large B-Cell Lymphoma in Sweden   Oskar Eklund, Viktor Hedlof Kanje, Yael A. Rodriguez-Guadarrama, Rob Blissett, Nathaniel J. Smith, Frank van Hees, Brett Doble, and Sachin Vadgama.
Poster P1217 Fri, June 14, 2024 6:00 – 7:00 PM CEST	Cost-effectiveness and Budget Impact Analyses of Axicabtagene Ciloleucel as Second-Line Therapy in Patients with Large B-Cell Lymphoma in Singapore   Francesca Lim, Tza-Kai Diong, Graeme Ball, Esther Chan, Mahendra Rai, Jatin Pruthi, Neha Deshpande and William Hwang.
ePoster P2088 Fri, June 14, 2024 9:00 AM CEST	Real-World Safety Outcomes of Axicabtagene Ciloleucel in Patients with Diffuse Large B-Cell Lymphoma and Follicular Lymphoma in Europe and United States: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis   Robin Sanderson, Javier Munoz, Francis Ayuk, Francis Nissen, Fang Sun, Eve Limbrick-Oldfield, David Wennersbusch, Grace Lee and Caron A. Jacobson.
Poster P1666 Fri, June 14, 2024 6:00 – 7:00 PM CEST	Treatment Preferences and Quality of Life in Patients with Relapsed/Refractory Follicular Lymphoma   John G. Gribben, Emmanuel Bachy, Markqayne Ray, Kathryn Krupsky, Kathleen Beusterien, Lewis Kopenhafer, Flor Mendez, Sara Beygi, Timothy Best, Graeme Ball, Kacper Perkowski, Oliver Will, Anik Patel and Paola Ghione.
Poster P1191 Fri, June 14, 2024 6:00 – 7:00 PM CEST   * In collaboration with Mayo Clinic	Updated Trends in Real-World Outpatient (OP) Administration of Axicabtagene Ciloleucel (Axi-Cel) and Brexucabtagene Autoleucel (Brexu-Cel) in Relapsed/Refractory (R/R) Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma (NHL)*   Radhika Bansal, Hil Hsu, Jonas Paludo, Brad Du, Andre De Menezes Silva Corraes, Patrick Johnston, Arushi Khurana, Yucai Wang, Christine Fu, Jenny J. Kim, Qinghua Song, James Wu, Fang Sun and Yi Lin.
Multiple Myeloma
E-publication only PB2724   To be published in the Online Abstract Book, a supplement of HemaSphere (EHA’s official journal)   *In collaboration with Kite partner Arcellx	iMMagine-3: A Phase 3, Randomized Study to Compare the Efficacy and Safety of Anitocabtagene Autoleucel (Anito-Cel) with Standard of Care in Patients with Relapsed/Refractory Multiple Myeloma (RRMM)   Tom Martin, Noopur S. Raje, Jesús San-Miguel, Krina Patel, Lucas McLoughlin, Christine Lui, Carolyn C. Jackson, Christopher R. Heery, Niels W.C.J. van de Donk, Jesús G. Berdeja and Maria-Victoria Mateo.
Oral S207   *In collaboration with Kite partner Arcellx	Phase 1 Study of Anitocabtagene Autoleucel for the Treatment of Patients with Relapsed and/or Refractory Multiple Myeloma: Results from at Least 1-Year Follow-up in All Patients*   Matthew Frigault, Jacalyn Rosenblatt, Binod Dhakal, Noopur Raje, Daniella Cook, Mahmoud Gaballa, Estelle Emmanuel-Alejandro, Danielle Nissen, Kamalika Bannerjee, Anand Rotte, Christopher Heery, David Avigan, Andrzej Jakubowiak and Michael Bishop.
Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia
E-publication only PB3430   To be published in the Online Abstract Book, a supplement of HemaSphere (EHA’s official journal)	Sustained Cost-Effectiveness of Brexucabtagene Autoleucel for the Treatment of Relapsed/Refractory B-Cell Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia in Patients Aged 26 Years or Older in Italy   Monia Marchetti, Cristina Dondoni, Tomas Spousta, Frank van Hees, Nate Smith and Brett Doble.

For more information, including a complete list of abstract titles at the meeting, please visit: https://congress-apps.ehaweb.org/eha2024/en-GB/pag/

About anitocabtagene autoleucel (anito-cel)

Anito-cel is a BCMA CAR T that utilizes a novel binder (or CAR) known as the D-Domain. Its small size (8kDa) facilitates high T-cell transduction and expression, resulting in more CAR positive cells and more CARs expressed per T-cell.

Anito-cel has been granted Fast Track, Orphan Drug, and Regenerative Medicine Advanced Therapy designations by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration.

About Yescarta

Please see full Prescribing Information, including BOXED WARNING and Medication Guide.

YESCARTA is a CD19-directed genetically modified autologous T cell immunotherapy indicated for the treatment of:

• Adult patients with large B-cell lymphoma that is refractory to first-line chemoimmunotherapy or that relapses within 12 months of first-line chemoimmunotherapy.

• Adult patients with relapsed or refractory large B-cell lymphoma after two or more lines of systemic therapy, including diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL) not otherwise specified, primary mediastinal large B-cell lymphoma, high grade B-cell lymphoma, and DLBCL arising from follicular lymphoma.
  
  Limitations of Use: YESCARTA is not indicated for the treatment of patients with primary central nervous system lymphoma.
  

• Adult patients with relapsed or refractory follicular lymphoma (FL) after two or more lines of systemic therapy. This indication is approved under accelerated approval based on response rate. Continued approval for this indication may be contingent upon verification and description of clinical benefit in confirmatory trial(s).

U.S. IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION

BOXED WARNING: CYTOKINE RELEASE SYNDROME, NEUROLOGIC TOXICITIES and SECONDARY HEMATOLOGICAL MALIGNANCIES

• Cytokine Release Syndrome (CRS), including fatal or life-threatening reactions, occurred in patients receiving YESCARTA. Do not administer YESCARTA to patients with active infection or inflammatory disorders. Treat severe or life-threatening CRS with tocilizumab or tocilizumab and corticosteroids.
• Neurologic toxicities, including fatal or life-threatening reactions, occurred in patients receiving YESCARTA, including concurrently with CRS or after CRS resolution. Monitor for neurologic toxicities after treatment with YESCARTA. 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 YESCARTA.
• YESCARTA is available only through a restricted program under a Risk Evaluation and Mitigation Strategy (REMS) called the YESCARTA and TECARTUS REMS Program.

CYTOKINE RELEASE SYNDROME (CRS)

CRS, including fatal or life-threatening reactions, occurred following treatment with YESCARTA. CRS occurred in 90% (379/422) of patients with non-Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL) receiving YESCARTA, including ≥ Grade 3 (Lee grading system1) CRS in 9%. CRS occurred in 93% (256/276) of patients with large B-cell lymphoma (LBCL), including ≥ Grade 3 CRS in 9%. Among patients with LBCL who died after receiving YESCARTA, four had ongoing CRS events at the time of death. For patients with LBCL in ZUMA-1, the median time to onset of CRS was 2 days following infusion (range: 1 to 12 days) and the median duration of CRS was 7 days (range: 2 to 58 days). For patients with LBCL in ZUMA-7, the median time to onset of CRS was 3 days following infusion (range: 1 to 10 days) and the median duration was 7 days (range: 2 to 43 days).

CRS occurred in 84% (123/146) of patients with indolent non-Hodgkin lymphoma (iNHL) in ZUMA-5, including ≥ Grade 3 CRS in 8%. Among patients with iNHL who died after receiving YESCARTA, one patient had an ongoing CRS event at the time of death. The median time to onset of CRS was 4 days (range: 1 to 20 days) and the median duration was 6 days (range: 1 to 27 days) for patients with iNHL.

Key manifestations of CRS (≥ 10%) in all patients combined included fever (85%), hypotension (40%), tachycardia (32%), chills (22%), hypoxia (20%), headache (15%), and fatigue (12%). Serious events that may be associated with CRS include, cardiac arrhythmias (including atrial fibrillation and ventricular tachycardia), renal insufficiency, cardiac failure, respiratory failure, cardiac arrest, capillary leak syndrome, multi-organ failure, and hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis/macrophage activation syndrome (HLH/MAS).

The impact of tocilizumab and/or corticosteroids on the incidence and severity of CRS was assessed in two subsequent cohorts of LBCL patients in ZUMA-1. Among patients who received tocilizumab and/or corticosteroids for ongoing Grade 1 events (see Table 1), CRS occurred in 93% (38/41), including 2% (1/41) with Grade 3 CRS; no patients experienced a Grade 4 or 5 event. The median time to onset of CRS was 2 days (range: 1 to 8 days) and the median duration of CRS was 7 days (range: 2 to 16 days).

Prophylactic treatment with corticosteroids was administered to a cohort of 39 patients for 3 days beginning on the day of infusion of YESCARTA. Thirty-one of the 39 patients (79%) developed CRS at which point the patients were managed with tocilizumab and/or therapeutic doses of corticosteroids with no patients developing Grade 3 or higher CRS. The median time to onset of CRS was 5 days (range: 1 to 15 days) and the median duration of CRS was 4 days (range: 1 to 10 days). Although there is no known mechanistic explanation, consider the risk and benefits of prophylactic corticosteroids in the context of pre-existing comorbidities for the individual patient and the potential for the risk of Grade 4 and prolonged neurologic toxicities.

Ensure that 2 doses of tocilizumab are available prior to infusion of YESCARTA. Monitor patients at least daily for 7 days at the certified healthcare facility following infusion for signs and symptoms of CRS. Monitor patients for signs or symptoms of CRS for 4 weeks after infusion. Counsel patients to seek immediate medical attention should signs or symptoms of CRS occur at any time. At the first sign of CRS, institute treatment with supportive care, tocilizumab, or tocilizumab and corticosteroids as indicated.

NEUROLOGIC TOXICITIES

Neurologic toxicities (including immune effector cell-associated neurotoxicity syndrome) that were fatal or life- threatening occurred. Neurologic toxicities occurred in 78% (330/422) of all patients with NHL receiving YESCARTA, including ≥ Grade 3 in 25%. Neurologic toxicities occurred in 87% (94/108) of patients with LBCL in ZUMA-1, including ≥ Grade 3 in 31% and in 74% (124/168) of patients in ZUMA-7 including ≥ Grade 3 in 25%. The median time to onset was 4 days (range: 1-43 days) and the median duration was 17 days for patients with LBCL in ZUMA-1. The median time to onset for neurologic toxicity was 5 days (range:1- 133 days) and median duration was 15 days in patients with LBCL in ZUMA-7. Neurologic toxicities occurred in 77% (112/146) of patients with iNHL, including ≥ Grade 3 in 21%. The median time to onset was 6 days (range: 1-79 days) and the median duration was 16 days. Ninety-eight percent of all neurologic toxicities in patients with LBCL and 99% of all neurologic toxicities in patients with iNHL occurred within the first 8 weeks of YESCARTA infusion. Neurologic toxicities occurred within the first 7 days of infusion for 87% of affected patients with LBCL and 74% of affected patients with iNHL.

The most common neurologic toxicities (≥ 10%) in all patients combined included encephalopathy (50%), headache (43%), tremor (29%), dizziness (21%), aphasia (17%), delirium (15%), and insomnia (10%). Prolonged encephalopathy lasting up to 173 days was noted. Serious events, including aphasia, leukoencephalopathy, dysarthria, lethargy, and seizures occurred. Fatal and serious cases of cerebral edema and encephalopathy, including late-onset encephalopathy, have occurred.

The impact of tocilizumab and/or corticosteroids on the incidence and severity of neurologic toxicities was assessed in 2 subsequent cohorts of LBCL patients in ZUMA-1. Among patients who received corticosteroids at the onset of Grade 1 toxicities, neurologic toxicities occurred in 78% (32/41) and 20% (8/41) had Grade 3 neurologic toxicities; no patients experienced a Grade 4 or 5 event. The median time to onset of neurologic toxicities was 6 days (range: 1-93 days) with a median duration of 8 days (range: 1-144 days). Prophylactic treatment with corticosteroids was administered to a cohort of 39 patients for 3 days beginning on the day of infusion of YESCARTA. Of those patients, 85% (33/39) developed neurologic toxicities, 8% (3/39) developed Grade 3, and 5% (2/39) developed Grade 4 neurologic toxicities. The median time to onset of neurologic toxicities was 6 days (range: 1-274 days) with a median duration of 12 days (range: 1-107 days). Prophylactic corticosteroids for management of CRS and neurologic toxicities may result in higher grade of neurologic toxicities or prolongation of neurologic toxicities, delay the onset and decrease the duration of CRS.

Monitor patients for signs and symptoms of neurologic toxicities at least daily for 7 days at the certified healthcare facility, and for 4 weeks thereafter, and treat promptly.

REMS

Because of the risk of CRS and neurologic toxicities, YESCARTA is available only through a restricted program called the YESCARTA and TECARTUS REMS Program which requires that: Healthcare facilities that dispense and administer YESCARTA must be enrolled and comply with the REMS requirements and must have on-site, immediate access to a minimum of 2 doses of tocilizumab for each patient for infusion within 2 hours after YESCARTA infusion, if needed for treatment of CRS. Certified healthcare facilities must ensure that healthcare providers who prescribe, dispense, or administer YESCARTA are trained about the management of CRS and neurologic toxicities. Further information is available at www.YescartaTecartusREMS.com or 1-844-454-KITE (5483).

HYPERSENSITIVITY REACTIONS

Allergic reactions, including serious hypersensitivity reactions or anaphylaxis, may occur with the infusion of YESCARTA.

SERIOUS INFECTIONS

Severe or life-threatening infections occurred. Infections (all grades) occurred in 45% of patients with NHL. Grade 3 or higher infections occurred in 17% of patients, including ≥ Grade 3 or higher infections with an unspecified pathogen in 12%, bacterial infections in 5%, viral infections in 3%, and fungal infections in 1%. YESCARTA should not be administered to patients with clinically significant active systemic infections. Monitor patients for signs and symptoms of infection before and after infusion and treat appropriately. Administer prophylactic antimicrobials according to local guidelines.

Febrile neutropenia was observed in 36% of all patients with NHL and may be concurrent with CRS. In the event of febrile neutropenia, evaluate for infection and manage with broad-spectrum antibiotics, fluids, and other supportive care as medically indicated.

In immunosuppressed patients, including those who have received YESCARTA, life-threatening and fatal opportunistic infections including disseminated fungal infections (e.g., candida sepsis and aspergillus infections) and viral reactivation (e.g., human herpes virus-6 [HHV-6] encephalitis and JC virus progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy [PML]) have been reported. The possibility of HHV-6 encephalitis and PML should be considered in immunosuppressed patients with neurologic events and appropriate diagnostic evaluations should be performed. 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, including YESCARTA. Perform screening for HBV, HCV, and HIV in accordance with clinical guidelines before collection of cells for manufacturing.

PROLONGED CYTOPENIAS

Patients may exhibit cytopenias for several weeks following lymphodepleting chemotherapy and YESCARTA infusion. ≥ Grade 3 cytopenias not resolved by Day 30 following YESCARTA infusion occurred in 39% of all patients with NHL and included neutropenia (33%), thrombocytopenia (13%), and anemia (8%). Monitor blood counts after infusion.

HYPOGAMMAGLOBULINEMIA

B-cell aplasia and hypogammaglobulinemia can occur. Hypogammaglobulinemia was reported as an adverse reaction in 14% of all patients with NHL. Monitor immunoglobulin levels after treatment and manage using infection precautions, antibiotic prophylaxis, and immunoglobulin replacement. The safety of immunization with live viral vaccines during or following YESCARTA 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 YESCARTA treatment, and until immune recovery following treatment.

SECONDARY MALIGNANCIES

Patients treated with YESCARTA 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 YESCARTA. Mature T cell malignancies, including CAR-positive tumors, may present as soon as weeks following infusion, and may include fatal outcomes.

Monitor life-long for secondary malignancies. In the event that a secondary malignancy occurs, contact Kite at 1-844-454-KITE (5483) to obtain instructions on patient samples to collect for testing.

EFFECTS ON ABILITY TO DRIVE AND USE MACHINES

Due to the potential for neurologic events, including altered mental status or seizures, patients are at risk for altered or decreased consciousness or coordination in the 8 weeks following YESCARTA 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 non-laboratory adverse reactions (incidence ≥ 20%) in patients with LBCL in ZUMA-7 included fever, CRS, fatigue, hypotension, encephalopathy, tachycardia, diarrhea, headache, musculoskeletal pain, nausea, febrile neutropenia, chills, cough, infection with unspecified pathogen, dizziness, tremor, decreased appetite, edema, hypoxia, abdominal pain, aphasia, constipation, and vomiting.

The most common adverse reactions (incidence ≥ 20%) in patients with LBCL in ZUMA-1 included CRS, fever, hypotension, encephalopathy, tachycardia, fatigue, headache, decreased appetite, chills, diarrhea, febrile neutropenia, infections with pathogen unspecified, nausea, hypoxia, tremor, cough, vomiting, dizziness, constipation, and cardiac arrhythmias.

The most common non-laboratory adverse reactions (incidence ≥ 20%) in patients with iNHL in ZUMA-5 included fever, CRS, hypotension, encephalopathy, fatigue, headache, infections with pathogen unspecified, tachycardia, febrile neutropenia, musculoskeletal pain, nausea, tremor, chills, diarrhea, constipation, decreased appetite, cough, vomiting, hypoxia, arrhythmia, and dizziness.

About Tecartus

Please see full FDA Prescribing Information, including BOXED WARNING and Medication Guide.

Tecartus is a CD19-directed genetically modified autologous T cell immunotherapy indicated for the treatment of:

• Adult patients with relapsed or refractory mantle cell lymphoma (MCL).
  This indication is approved under accelerated approval based on overall response rate and durability of response. Continued approval for this indication may be contingent upon verification and description of clinical benefit in a confirmatory trial.
• Adult patients with relapsed or refractory B-cell precursor acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL).

U.S. IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION

BOXED WARNING: CYTOKINE RELEASE SYNDROME, NEUROLOGIC TOXICITIES and SECONDARY HEMATOLOGICAL MALIGNANCIES

• Cytokine Release Syndrome (CRS), including life-threatening reactions, occurred in patients receiving Tecartus. Do not administer Tecartus to patients with active infection or inflammatory disorders. Treat severe or life-threatening CRS with tocilizumab or tocilizumab and corticosteroids.
• Neurologic toxicities, including life-threatening reactions, occurred in patients receiving Tecartus, including concurrently with CRS or after CRS resolution. Monitor for neurologic toxicities after treatment with Tecartus. 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.
• Tecartus is available only through a restricted program under a Risk Evaluation and Mitigation Strategy (REMS) called the Yescarta and Tecartus REMS Program.

Cytokine Release Syndrome (CRS), including life-threatening reactions, occurred following treatment with Tecartus. CRS occurred in 92% (72/78) of patients with ALL, including ≥ Grade 3 (Lee grading system) CRS in 26% of patients. Three patients with ALL had ongoing CRS events at the time of death. The median time to onset of CRS was five days (range: 1 to 12 days) and the median duration of CRS was eight days (range: 2 to 63 days) for patients with ALL.

Ensure that a minimum of two doses of tocilizumab are available for each patient prior to infusion of Tecartus. Following infusion, monitor patients for signs and symptoms of CRS daily for at least seven days at the certified healthcare facility, and for four weeks thereafter. Counsel patients to seek immediate medical attention should signs or symptoms of CRS occur at any time. At the first sign of CRS, institute treatment with supportive care, tocilizumab, or tocilizumab and corticosteroids as indicated.

Neurologic Events, including those that were fatal or life-threatening, occurred following treatment with Tecartus. Neurologic events occurred in 87% (68/78) of patients with ALL, including ≥ Grade 3 in 35% of patients. The median time to onset for neurologic events was seven days (range: 1 to 51 days) with a median duration of 15 days (range: 1 to 397 days) in patients with ALL. For patients with MCL, 54 (66%) patients experienced CRS before the onset of neurological events. Five (6%) patients did not experience CRS with neurologic events and eight patients (10%) developed neurological events after the resolution of CRS. Neurologic events resolved for 119 out of 134 (89%) patients treated with Tecartus. Nine patients (three patients with MCL and six patients with ALL) had ongoing neurologic events at the time of death. For patients with ALL, neurologic events occurred before, during, and after CRS in 4 (5%), 57 (73%), and 8 (10%) of patients; respectively. Three patients (4%) had neurologic events without CRS. The onset of neurologic events can be concurrent with CRS, following resolution of CRS or in the absence of CRS.

The most common neurologic events (>10%) were similar in MCL and ALL and included encephalopathy (57%), headache (37%), tremor (34%), confusional state (26%), aphasia (23%), delirium (17%), dizziness (15%), anxiety (14%), and agitation (12%). Serious events including encephalopathy, aphasia, confusional state, and seizures occurred after treatment with Tecartus.

Monitor patients daily for at least seven days for patients with MCL and at least 14 days for patients with ALL at the certified healthcare facility and for four weeks following infusion for signs and symptoms of neurologic toxicities and treat promptly.

REMS Program: Because of the risk of CRS and neurologic toxicities, Tecartus is available only through a restricted program under a Risk Evaluation and Mitigation Strategy (REMS) called the Yescarta and Tecartus REMS Program which requires that:

• Healthcare facilities that dispense and administer Tecartus must be enrolled and comply with the REMS requirements. Certified healthcare facilities must have on-site, immediate access to tocilizumab, and ensure that a minimum of two doses of tocilizumab are available for each patient for infusion within two hours after Tecartus infusion, if needed for treatment of CRS.

• Certified healthcare facilities must ensure that healthcare providers who prescribe, dispense, or administer Tecartus are trained in the management of CRS and neurologic toxicities. Further information is available at www.YescartaTecartusREMS.com or 1-844-454-KITE (5483).

Hypersensitivity Reactions: Serious hypersensitivity reactions, including anaphylaxis, may occur due to dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) or residual gentamicin in Tecartus.

Severe Infections: Severe or life-threatening infections occurred in patients after Tecartus infusion. Infections (all grades) occurred in 56% (46/82) of patients with MCL and 44% (34/78) of patients with ALL. Grade 3 or higher infections, including bacterial, viral, and fungal infections, occurred in 30% of patients with ALL and MCL. Tecartus should not be administered to patients with clinically significant active systemic infections. Monitor patients for signs and symptoms of infection before and after Tecartus infusion and treat appropriately. Administer prophylactic antimicrobials according to local guidelines.

Febrile neutropenia was observed in 6% of patients with MCL and 35% of patients with ALL after Tecartus infusion and may be concurrent with CRS. The febrile neutropenia in 27 (35%) of patients with ALL includes events of “febrile neutropenia” (11 (14%)) plus the concurrent events of “fever” and “neutropenia” (16 (21%)). In the event of febrile neutropenia, evaluate for infection and manage with broad spectrum antibiotics, fluids, and other supportive care as medically indicated.

In immunosuppressed patients, life-threatening and fatal opportunistic infections have been reported. The possibility of rare infectious etiologies (e.g., fungal and viral infections such as HHV-6 and progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy) should be considered in patients with neurologic events and appropriate diagnostic evaluations should be performed.

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. Perform screening for HBV, HCV, and HIV in accordance with clinical guidelines before collection of cells for manufacturing.

Prolonged Cytopenias: Patients may exhibit cytopenias for several weeks following lymphodepleting chemotherapy and Tecartus infusion. In patients with MCL, Grade 3 or higher cytopenias not resolved by Day 30 following Tecartus infusion occurred in 55% (45/82) of patients and included thrombocytopenia (38%), neutropenia (37%), and anemia (17%). In patients with ALL who were responders to Tecartus treatment, Grade 3 or higher cytopenias not resolved by Day 30 following Tecartus infusion occurred in 20% (7/35) of the patients and included neutropenia (12%) and thrombocytopenia (12%); Grade 3 or higher cytopenias not resolved by Day 60 following Tecartus infusion occurred in 11% (4/35) of the patients and included neutropenia (9%) and thrombocytopenia (6%). Monitor blood counts after Tecartus infusion.

Hypogammaglobulinemia: B cell aplasia and hypogammaglobulinemia can occur in patients receiving treatment with Tecartus. Hypogammaglobulinemia was reported in 16% (13/82) of patients with MCL and 9% (7/78) of patients with ALL. Monitor immunoglobulin levels after treatment with Tecartus and manage using infection precautions, antibiotic prophylaxis, and immunoglobulin replacement.

The safety of immunization with live viral vaccines during or following Tecartus treatment has not been studied. Vaccination with live virus vaccines is not recommended for at least six weeks prior to the start of lymphodepleting chemotherapy, during Tecartus treatment, and until immune recovery following treatment with Tecartus.

Secondary Malignancies may develop. T cell malignancies have occurred following treatment of hematologic malignancies with BCMA- and CD19-directed genetically modified autologous T cell immunotherapies. Mature T cell malignancies, including CAR-positive tumors, may present as soon as weeks following infusion, and may include fatal outcomes. Monitor life-long for secondary malignancies. In the event that one occurs, contact Kite at 1-844-454-KITE (5483) to obtain instructions on patient samples to collect for testing.

Effects on Ability to Drive and Use Machines: Due to the potential for neurologic events, including altered mental status or seizures, patients are at risk for altered or decreased consciousness or coordination in the 8 weeks following Tecartus infusion. Advise patients to refrain from driving and engaging in hazardous activities, such as operating heavy or potentially dangerous machinery, during this period.

Adverse Reactions: The most common non-laboratory adverse reactions (≥ 20%) were fever, cytokine release syndrome, hypotension, encephalopathy, tachycardia, nausea, chills, headache, fatigue, febrile neutropenia, diarrhea, musculoskeletal pain, hypoxia, rash, edema, tremor, infection with pathogen unspecified, constipation, decreased appetite, and vomiting. The most common serious adverse reactions (≥ 2%) were cytokine release syndrome, febrile neutropenia, hypotension, encephalopathy, fever, infection with pathogen unspecified, hypoxia, tachycardia, bacterial infections, respiratory failure, seizure, diarrhea, dyspnea, fungal infections, viral infections, coagulopathy, delirium, fatigue, hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis, musculoskeletal pain, edema, and paraparesis.

Please see full Prescribing Information, including BOXED WARNING and Medication Guide.

About Kite

Kite, a Gilead Company, is a global biopharmaceutical company based in Santa Monica, California, focused on cell therapy to treat and potentially cure cancer. As the global cell therapy leader, Kite has treated more patients with CAR T-cell therapy than any other company. Kite has the largest in-house cell therapy manufacturing network in the world, spanning process development, vector manufacturing, clinical trial production and commercial product manufacturing.

About Gilead Sciences

Gilead Sciences, Inc. is a biopharmaceutical company that has pursued and achieved breakthroughs in medicine for more than three decades, with the goal of creating a healthier world for all people. The company is committed to advancing innovative medicines to prevent and treat life-threatening diseases, including HIV, viral hepatitis and cancer. Gilead operates in more than 35 countries worldwide, with headquarters in Foster City, California. Gilead acquired Kite in 2017.

Forward-Looking Statements

This press release includes forward-looking statements, within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 that are subject to risks, uncertainties and other factors, including the ability of Gilead and Kite to initiate, progress or complete clinical trials within currently anticipated timelines or at all, and the possibility of unfavorable results from ongoing or additional clinical studies, including those involving Tecartus, Yescarta and anito-cel; uncertainties relating to regulatory applications and related filing and approval timelines, including pending or potential applications for indications currently under evaluation; and any assumptions underlying any of the foregoing. These and other risks, uncertainties and other factors are described in detail in Gilead’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended March 31, 2024, as filed with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission. These risks, uncertainties and other factors could cause actual results to differ materially from those referred to in the forward-looking statements. All statements other than statements of historical fact are statements that could be deemed forward-looking statements. The reader is cautioned that any such forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future performance and involve risks and uncertainties and is cautioned not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements. All forward-looking statements are based on information currently available to Kite and Gilead, and Kite and Gilead assume no obligation and disclaim any intent to update any such forward-looking statements.

Kite, the Kite logo, Yescarta, Tecartus, Gilead and the Gilead logo are trademarks of Gilead Sciences, Inc., or its related companies.

For more information on Kite, please visit the company’s website at www.kitepharma.com. Follow Kite on social media on X (@KitePharma) and LinkedIn.

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20240514656201/en/

Jacquie Ross, Investors

investor_relations@gilead.com

Meaghan Smith, Gilead Media

Public_Affairs@gilead.com

Source: Gilead Sciences, Inc.

FAQ

What are the key findings from Kite's CAR T-cell therapy research presented at EHA 2024?

Kite's research highlights higher manufacturing success rates and improved T-cell performance of Yescarta in second-line treatments for relapsed/refractory large B-cell lymphoma (R/R LBCL), promising safety and efficacy results from the ZUMA-24 study for outpatient administration, and the ongoing Phase 3 iMMagine-3 trial for anitocabtagene autoleucel (anito-cel) in relapsed/refractory multiple myeloma (R/R MM).

How does Yescarta perform in second-line treatment compared to third-line for R/R LBCL?

Yescarta shows higher manufacturing success rates and improved T-cell performance in second-line treatments compared to third-line or beyond in patients with relapsed/refractory large B-cell lymphoma (R/R LBCL).

What are the preliminary results of the ZUMA-24 study for Yescarta?

Preliminary results from the ZUMA-24 study indicate promising safety and efficacy for the outpatient administration of Yescarta in patients with relapsed/refractory large B-cell lymphoma (R/R LBCL).

What is the focus of the Phase 3 iMMagine-3 trial involving anitocabtagene autoleucel (anito-cel)?

The Phase 3 iMMagine-3 trial will investigate the efficacy and safety of anitocabtagene autoleucel (anito-cel) compared to standard care in patients with relapsed/refractory multiple myeloma (R/R MM).

What are the potential side effects of Yescarta mentioned in the press release?

Severe side effects associated with Yescarta may include cytokine release syndrome (CRS) and neurologic toxicities.