Jazz Pharmaceuticals Presents Overall Survival and Longer Follow-Up Data from HERIZON-BTC-01 Trial Evaluating Zanidatamab in Previously Treated HER2-Positive Biliary Tract Cancer at ASCO 2024

Rhea-AI Summary

Jazz Pharmaceuticals presented long-term follow-up results from the HERIZON-BTC-01 Phase 2b trial at ASCO 2024, showcasing the efficacy of zanidatamab in treating HER2-positive biliary tract cancer (BTC). The study reported a median overall survival (OS) of 15.5 months for all patients, with 18.1 months for those with IHC 3+ tumors and 5.2 months for IHC 2+ tumors. The median duration of response (DoR) increased to 14.9 months. The confirmed objective response rate (cORR) was maintained at 41.3%, with an additional complete response noted. The safety profile remained manageable. These results support the potential of zanidatamab to improve outcomes for BTC patients.

Positive

• Median overall survival (OS) of 15.5 months for all patients.
• OS of 18.1 months for patients with IHC 3+ tumors.
• Median duration of response (DoR) increased to 14.9 months.
• Confirmed objective response rate (cORR) maintained at 41.3%.
• Manageable and tolerable safety profile with no new safety signals.
• Zanidatamab granted Priority Review by the FDA.
• Marketing Authorization Application submitted to the European Medicines Agency.
• Clinical activity supports zanidatamab as a chemotherapy-free option.

Negative

• Median OS of just 5.2 months for patients with IHC 2+ tumors.
• Median progression-free survival (PFS) remained at 5.5 months.
• Median PFS for IHC 2+ tumors was only 1.7 months.
• Serious treatment-related adverse events (TRAEs) occurred in 9.2% of patients.
• Treatment discontinuation due to TRAEs in 2.3% of patients.

Insights

Medical Research Analyst

The updated results from the HERIZON-BTC-01 trial add significant value to the ongoing research in targeting HER2-positive biliary tract cancer (BTC). The median overall survival (OS) of 15.5 months in patients with centrally confirmed IHC 2+ or 3+ tumors and 18.1 months in patients with IHC 3+ tumors is a noteworthy improvement. Historically, this patient population has a poor prognosis with standard chemotherapy offering OS between 6 to 9 months. The increase in median duration of response (DoR) to 14.9 months also underscores the potential of zanidatamab to provide durable benefits.

From a medical research perspective, these results support the clinical relevance of zanidatamab as a valuable treatment option for HER2-positive BTC. The manageable safety profile with 2.3% discontinuation due to treatment-related adverse events is encouraging. This indicates that the treatment not only extends survival but also maintains a quality of life for patients. The ongoing global randomized Phase 3 trial will further validate these findings and could potentially expand the use of zanidatamab in first-line settings and other HER2-expressing solid tumors. It’s important to monitor these developments as they can significantly impact treatment paradigms for BTC and related cancers.

Financial Analyst

Jazz Pharmaceuticals’ announcement of the updated HERIZON-BTC-01 trial results potentially bolsters its market position. The clinically meaningful benefits exhibited by zanidatamab in extending median overall survival (OS) and durable response duration are likely to influence investor sentiment positively. The median OS of 15.5 months and up to 18.1 months in certain patients surpasses existing benchmarks, which could translate into substantial market differentiation.

The recent Priority Review by the FDA for zanidatamab’s Biologics License Application (BLA) is a significant milestone. Priority reviews often expedite the approval process, hinting at potential early entry into the market. Considering the unmet medical need in advanced HER2-positive BTC, zanidatamab's success could lead to considerable revenue streams for Jazz Pharmaceuticals. Additionally, ongoing clinical trials and expanded indications in other HER2-expressing tumors could further diversify and enhance the company’s portfolio, providing long-term growth prospects.

Financially, investors should monitor how these clinical advancements translate into market approvals and sales performance. The company's ability to manage trial-related expenses and navigate regulatory landscapes will also affect financial outcomes.

Zanidatamab demonstrated a median overall survival (OS) of 15.5 months in patients with centrally confirmed immunohistochemistry (IHC) 2+ or 3+ and a median OS of 18.1 months in patients with IHC 3+ tumors

With approximately two years of median follow-up, as of July 28, 2023, median duration of response (DOR) increased by two months from initial analysis to 14.9 months

DUBLIN, June 1, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Jazz Pharmaceuticals plc (Nasdaq: JAZZ) today announced long-term follow-up results, including the first-ever overall survival (OS) findings, from the Phase 2b HERIZON-BTC-01 clinical trial of zanidatamab in previously treated, unresectable, locally advanced, or metastatic HER2-positive biliary tract cancer (BTC). These data will be featured at the American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) Annual Meeting in a poster presentation during the Gastrointestinal Cancer – Gastroesophageal, Pancreatic, and Hepatobiliary session on June 1, 2024, at 1:30-4:30 p.m. CDT. Zanidatamab is a human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2)-targeted bispecific antibody being studied in multiple solid tumors.

For the trial's primary endpoint, results demonstrated that a confirmed objective response rate (cORR) by independent central review (ICR) was maintained at 41.3% (95% confidence interval (CI): 30.4, 52.8) and one additional patient achieved a complete response (n=2; 2.5%) since initial findings were presented at the ASCO Annual Meeting in 2023. The median duration of response (DoR), one of the trial's key secondary endpoints, increased by approximately 2 months to 14.9 months (95% CI: 7.4, not reached), compared to the previously reported findings. In this data cut, zanidatamab demonstrated a median estimated OS, another secondary endpoint, of 15.5 months (95% CI: 10.4, 18.5) in all patients with HER2+ BTC, 18.1 months (95% CI:12.2, 23.2) in patients with IHC 3+ tumors, and 5.2 months (95% CI: 3.1, 10.2) in patients with IHC 2+ tumors. Results highlight the clinically meaningful benefits of sustained and durable responses with continued treatment with zanidatamab.

"Patients with BTC are typically diagnosed when their disease is at an advanced stage, which is associated with a poor prognosis," said Shubham Pant, M.D., M.B.B.S. professor in the Department of Gastrointestinal Medical Oncology and Investigational Cancer Therapeutics at The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center. "Historically, overall survival with standard-of-care chemotherapy in second-line patients with advanced BTC is reported to be between 6-9 months¹ so there is a significant unmet need for targeted therapies that can potentially improve survival. The deep and durable responses seen in this study signal the potential to fill a critical unmet patient need with zanidatamab, a chemotherapy-free option, among patients with HER2-expressing cancers."

"We are encouraged by the updated results from the pivotal HERIZON-BTC-01 trial demonstrating sustained clinical activity in previously treated patients with advanced HER2-positive BTC. Results from HERIZON-BTC-01 were included in the Biologics License Application (BLA) for zanidatamab, which was granted Priority Review by the FDA earlier this week, as well as in the Marketing Authorization Application for zanidatamab which was recently submitted to the European Medicines Agency," said Rob Iannone, M.D., M.S.C.E., executive vice president, global head of research and development of Jazz Pharmaceuticals. "Clinical development of zanidatamab for the treatment of advanced HER2-positive BTC continues with HERIZON-BTC-302 (NCT06282575), the ongoing, global, randomized Phase 3 trial of zanidatamab in combination with standard-of-care therapy in the first-line setting for patients with HER2-positive BTC. We also look forward to investigating zanidatamab's potential in other HER2-expressing solid tumors, including in cases resistant to prior HER2-targeted therapies."

Trial Results

Results from this long-term analysis of the Phase 2b HERIZON-BTC-01 trial (NCT04466891) indicate that zanidatamab monotherapy demonstrated sustained and durable antitumor responses in previously treated patients with HER2-positive unresectable, locally advanced, or metastatic BTC and support the clinically meaningful benefit of continued treatment with zanidatamab. The safety profile in all enrolled patients remained manageable with favorable tolerability compared with the initial analysis. Two (2.3%) patients discontinued treatment due to treatment-related adverse events (TRAEs).

The trial evaluated zanidatamab (20 mg/kg IV once every 2 weeks) in patients with HER2-positive, locally advanced unresectable, or metastatic BTC who had received prior gemcitabine-containing therapy. Patients with prior HER2-targeted therapy use were excluded from the trial. All patients were required to have centrally confirmed HER2-amplified tumors (assessed by in situ hybridization). Patients (n=87) were assigned into two cohorts based on tumor IHC status: Cohort 1 (n=80) included patients who were IHC 2+/3+ (HER2-positive) and Cohort 2 (n=7) included patients who were IHC 0/1+. The median duration of follow-up was 21.9 (16-34) months. Tumors were assessed every 8 weeks per RECIST v1.1. Updated efficacy analyses include only Cohort 1, while safety analyses include Cohorts 1 and 2.

As of July 28, 2023, data from HER2-positive BTC patients enrolled in Cohort 1 (n=80) demonstrated:

• With longer follow-up, the cORR was maintained from the initial analysis (n=33; 41.3%) (95% CI: 30.4, 52.8), with one additional complete response (n=2; 2.5%).
  • Although the trial was not designed to detect treatment effects by HER2 status, as previously reported, in a pre-planned subgroup analysis of cORR by HER2 expression, responses were observed in patients with IHC 3+ tumors (cORR: 51.6% [95% CI: 38.6%-64.5%]) and IHC 2+ tumors (cORR: 5.6% [95% CI: 0.1-27.3%])².
• A two-month increase in the median DoR to 14.9 months (95% CI: 7.4, not reached).
  • In patients with IHC3+ tumors, the median DoR was 14.9 months (95% CI: 7.4, not reached).
  • The DOR in the 1 responder with IHC 2+ tumors was 7.5 months.
• A median OS (95% CI) of 15.5 months (95% CI: 10.4, 18.5).
  • The median OS in patients with IHC 3+ was 18.1 months (95% CI: 12.2, 23.2).
  • The median OS in patients with IHC 2+ was 5.2 months (95% CI: 3.1, 10.2).
• Median progression-free survival (PFS) was maintained (5.5 months [95% CI: 3.6, 7.3]) compared with the initial analysis, which had a data cutoff of October 10, 2022.
  • In patients with IHC 3+ tumors, the median PFS was 7.2 months (95% CI: 5.4, 9.4) months.
  • In patients with IHC 2+ tumors, the median PFS was 1.7 months (95% CI: 1.0, 3.3) months.

As previously reported for Cohorts 1 and 2, zanidatamab demonstrated a manageable and tolerable safety profile, with no new safety signals identified and no deaths that were treatment related. TRAEs leading to dose reductions remained infrequent. Serious TRAEs occurred in eight (9.2%) patients. One patient experienced serious TRAEs since the initial analysis (alanine aminotransferase increased and aspartate aminotransferase increased).Treatment discontinuation rate was 2.3% and no additional patients discontinued treatment due to TRAEs since the initial analysis.

About BTC
BTC, including gallbladder cancer and intrahepatic and extrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma, account for <1% of all adult cancers globally and are often associated with a poor prognosis.^3,4 The human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2) is a well-validated target for antitumor therapy in other cancers. Across the U.S., Europe, and Japan, approximately 12,000 people are diagnosed with HER2+ BTC annually.^5,6,7,8

About Zanidatamab 
Zanidatamab is an investigational HER2-targeted bispecific antibody that can simultaneously bind two non-overlapping epitopes of the HER2 receptor, known as biparatopic binding. This unique design and increased binding results in multiple mechanisms of action, including dual HER2 signal blockade, removal of HER2 protein from the cell surface, and immune-mediated cytotoxicity leading to encouraging antitumor activity in patients. Zanidatamab is being developed in multiple clinical trials as a targeted treatment option for patients with solid tumors that express HER2. Zanidatamab is being developed by Jazz and BeiGene, Ltd. (BeiGene) under license agreements from Zymeworks, which first developed the molecule.

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has accepted and granted Priority Review of the Biologics License Application (BLA) for zanidatamab with a Prescription Drug User Fee Act (PDUFA) action date of November 29, 2024. Zanidatamab was also granted Breakthrough Therapy designation in patients with previously treated HER2 gene-amplified biliary tract cancers (BTC) and given two Fast Track designations: one as a single agent for refractory BTC and one in combination with standard of care chemotherapy for 1L gastroesophageal adenocarcinoma (GEA). Additionally, zanidatamab has received Orphan Drug designations from FDA for the treatment of BTC and GEA, as well as Orphan Drug designation from the European Medicines Agency for the treatment of BTC and gastric cancer. Zanidatamab was also granted Breakthrough Therapy designation from the Center for Drug Evaluation (CDE) in China. 

About Jazz Pharmaceuticals
Jazz Pharmaceuticals plc (Nasdaq: JAZZ) is a global biopharma company whose purpose is to innovate to transform the lives of patients and their families. We are dedicated to developing life-changing medicines for people with serious diseases—often with limited or no therapeutic options. We have a diverse portfolio of marketed medicines, including leading therapies for sleep disorders and epilepsy, and a growing portfolio of cancer treatments. Our patient-focused and science-driven approach powers pioneering research and development advancements across our robust pipeline of innovative therapeutics in oncology and neuroscience. Jazz is headquartered in Dublin, Ireland with research and development laboratories, manufacturing facilities and employees in multiple countries committed to serving patients worldwide. Please visit www.jazzpharmaceuticals.com for more information. 

Jazz Pharmaceuticals plc Caution Concerning Forward-Looking Statements
This press release contains forward-looking statements, including, but not limited to, statements related to zanidatamab's potential to fill a persistent and much-needed treatment gap, growing our portfolio of innovative oncology products and investigational therapies, advancing our broader clinical development program for zanidatamab and other statements that are not historical facts. These forward-looking statements are based on Jazz Pharmaceuticals' current plans, objectives, estimates, expectations and intentions and inherently involve significant risks and uncertainties. Actual results and the timing of events could differ materially from those anticipated in such forward-looking statements as a result of these risks and uncertainties, which include, without limitation, risks and uncertainties associated with pharmaceutical product development, and other risks and uncertainties affecting Jazz Pharmaceuticals and its development programs, including those described from time to time under the caption "Risk Factors" and elsewhere in Jazz Pharmaceuticals plc's Securities and Exchange Commission filings and reports (Commission File No. 001-33500), including Jazz Pharmaceuticals' Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2023, as supplemented by our Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended March 31, 2024, and future filings and reports by Jazz Pharmaceuticals. Other risks and uncertainties of which Jazz Pharmaceuticals is not currently aware may also affect Jazz Pharmaceuticals' forward-looking statements and may cause actual results and the timing of events to differ materially from those anticipated. The forward-looking statements herein are made only as of the date hereof or as of the dates indicated in the forward-looking statements, even if they are subsequently made available by Jazz Pharmaceuticals on its website or otherwise. Jazz Pharmaceuticals undertakes no obligation to update or supplement any forward-looking statements to reflect actual results, new information, future events, changes in its expectations or other circumstances that exist after the date as of which the forward-looking statements were made. 

Contacts: 

Jazz Media Contact:
Kristin Bhavnani
Head of Global Strategic Brand Engagement
Jazz Pharmaceuticals plc
CorporateAffairsMediaInfo@jazzpharma.com
Ireland +353 1 637 2141
U.S. +1 215 867 4948 

Jazz Investor Contact:
Andrea N. Flynn, Ph.D.
Vice President, Head, Investor Relations
Jazz Pharmaceuticals plc
investorinfo@jazzpharma.com
Ireland +353 1 634 3211
U.S. +1 650 496 2717  

References:
¹ Yoo C, Kim KP, Jeong JH, Kim I, Kang MJ, Cheon J, Kang BW, Ryu H, Lee JS, Kim KW, Abou-Alfa GK, Ryoo BY. Liposomal irinotecan plus fluorouracil and leucovorin versus fluorouracil and leucovorin for metastatic biliary tract cancer after progression on gemcitabine plus cisplatin (NIFTY): a multicentre, open-label, randomised, phase 2b study. Lancet Oncol. 2021 Nov;22(11):1560-1572. doi: 10.1016/S1470-2045(21)00486-1. Epub 2021 Oct 14. PMID: 34656226.
² Harding, J. J., Fan, J., Oh, D., Hye Jin Choi, Jin Won Kim, Chang, H.-M., Bao, L., Sun, H., Macarulla, T., Xie, F., Jean-Phillippe Metges, Ying, J., Bridgewater, J., Myung Ah Lee, Mohamedtaki Abdulaziz Tejani, Chen, E. Y., Dong Uk Kim, Harpreet Wasan, Ducreux, M., & Bao, Y. (2023). Zanidatamab for HER2-amplified, unresectable, locally advanced or metastatic biliary tract cancer (HERIZON-BTC-01): a multicentre, single-arm, phase 2b study. Lancet Oncology, 24(7), 772–782. https://doi.org/10.1016/s1470-2045(23)00242-5‌
³ Valle JW, et al. Lancet 2021; 397:428-44
⁴ Siegel RL, et al. CA Cancer J Clin 2022; 72;7-33
⁵ BTC overall diagnosed patients as per SEER 22;
⁶ Assumes anatomic subsites intrahepatic CCA, extrahepatic CCA, gallbladder cancer, and BTC unspecified;
⁷ Assumes HER2 positivity rates per anatomical subsite from: Galdy, S., Lamarca, A., McNamara, M.G. et al. Cancer Metastasis Rev 36, 141–157 (2017), Nobuyoshi Hiraoka, et al. Human Pathology, Volume 105, 2020, Pages 9-19
⁸ Major markets: U.K, France, Germany, Spain, Italy. Note: HER2+ BTC patients in Jazz-controlled commercial territories, which includes Japan, and excludes other certain Asia Pacific countries licensed to BeiGene, Ltd

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SOURCE Jazz Pharmaceuticals plc

FAQ

What were the overall survival results for Jazz Pharmaceuticals' zanidatamab in the HERIZON-BTC-01 trial?

The median overall survival (OS) was 15.5 months for all patients, 18.1 months for IHC 3+ tumors, and 5.2 months for IHC 2+ tumors.

How did zanidatamab perform in terms of duration of response in the HERIZON-BTC-01 trial?

The median duration of response (DoR) increased to 14.9 months.

What was the confirmed objective response rate (cORR) for zanidatamab in the HERIZON-BTC-01 trial?

The confirmed objective response rate (cORR) was maintained at 41.3%.

Were there any serious treatment-related adverse events (TRAEs) in the HERIZON-BTC-01 trial?

Yes, serious TRAEs occurred in 9.2% of patients.

Did Jazz Pharmaceuticals' zanidatamab receive any regulatory designations?

Yes, zanidatamab was granted Priority Review by the FDA and had a Marketing Authorization Application submitted to the European Medicines Agency.