Legend Biotech to Highlight Leadership in CAR-T Cell Therapy for Patients with Multiple Myeloma at ASCO and EHA
Legend Biotech (NASDAQ: LEGN) will present new data on its CAR-T cell therapy, CARVYKTI®, for multiple myeloma at the 2024 ASCO and EHA events.
Significant upcoming presentations include:
- Phase 2 CARTITUDE-2 study data will be presented at ASCO and EHA.
- Phase 3 CARTITUDE-4 study data regarding high-risk multiple myeloma will also be showcased.
Key studies analyze CARVYKTI®'s effectiveness in patients with different risk profiles and those who had suboptimal responses to previous treatments.
Despite positive advancements, warnings about severe side effects such as cytokine release syndrome, neurologic toxicities, and other serious adverse events were noted.
- CARVYKTI® demonstrated efficacy in high-risk multiple myeloma patients.
- Positive initial data from Phase 2 and Phase 3 CARTITUDE studies presented at ASCO and EHA.
- Significant new data on CARVYKTI®'s effectiveness in various patient subgroups.
- Legend Biotech's ongoing efforts to provide innovative treatments for multiple myeloma.
- Severe side effects like cytokine release syndrome and neurologic toxicities reported with CARVYKTI®.
- Increased early mortality observed in the CARVYKTI® treatment arm in CARTITUDE-4 study.
- Higher percentage of deaths due to adverse events post-CARVYKTI® infusion.
- Serious infections, including fatal COVID-19 cases, noted among patients treated with CARVYKTI®.
- Prolonged and recurrent cytopenias observed in a significant portion of patients.
- First disclosure from Cohort D of the Phase 2 CARTITUDE-2 study investigating CARVYKTI® in patients who had suboptimal response to frontline ASCT in an oral presentation at ASCO & EHA
- An oral presentation at ASCO of data from the Phase 3 CARTITUDE-4 study evaluating CARVYKTI® in patients with functional high-risk multiple myeloma
- New data at EHA from the Phase 3 CARTITUDE-4 study assessing CARVYKTI® in a subgroup analysis by cytogenetic risk
Data from Cohort D of the Phase 2 CARTITUDE-2 study investigating a single infusion of CARVYKTI® with or without lenalidomide maintenance in patients who achieved less than complete response after autologous stem cell transplant (ASCT) frontline therapy will be presented for the first time in an oral presentation at ASCO and in an encore oral presentation at EHA.
Data from the subgroup analysis of the Phase 3 CARTITUDE-4 study of CARVYKTI® versus two standard therapies in patients with functional high-risk multiple myeloma after one prior line of treatment will be presented in an oral presentation at ASCO. Additionally, the results of the CARTITUDE-4 subgroup analysis by cytogenetic risk will be shared at EHA in a poster session.
“The results of the CARTITUDE clinical development program with CARVYKTI will provide significant insights about the broad range of patients who will benefit from this one-time treatment,” said Ying Huang, Ph.D., Chief Executive Officer of Legend Biotech. “We are excited to share our latest data with the hematology and oncology communities as we work to give new hope to patients and strive to one day develop a cure for multiple myeloma.”
ASCO Presentations (May 31-June 4, 2024)
Abstract No. |
Title |
Information |
Abstract #7504 Oral Presentation |
Ciltacabtagene autoleucel vs standard of care in patients with functional high-risk multiple myeloma: CARTITUDE-4 subgroup analysis
|
Session Title: Hematologic Malignancies – Plasma Cell Dyscrasia
Date/Time: June 3, 2024, 4:12 – 4:24 p.m. CDT
|
Abstract #7505 Oral Presentation |
Efficacy and safety of ciltacabtagene autoleucel ± lenalidomide maintenance in patients with multiple myeloma who had suboptimal response to frontline autologous stem cell transplant: CARTITUDE-2 cohort D |
Session Title: Hematologic Malignancies – Plasma Cell Dyscrasia
Date/Time: June 3, 2024, 4:24 – 4:36 p.m. CDT
|
Abstract #7535 Poster
|
Ciltacabtagene autoleucel in patients with lenalidomide-refractory multiple myeloma: CARTITUDE-2 cohort A expansion subgroup |
Session Title: Hematologic Malignancies – Plasma Cell Dyscrasia Poster Bd#: 172
Date/Time: June 3, 2024, 9:00 a.m. -12:00 p.m. CDT
|
EHA Presentations (June 13-16, 2024)
Abstract No. |
Title |
Information |
Abstract #S205 Oral Presentation |
Encore: Ciltacabtagene autoleucel ± lenalidomide maintenance in patients with multiple myeloma who had suboptimal response to frontline autologous stem cell transplant: CARTITUDE-2 cohort D |
Date/Time: June 15, 2024, 16:30-16:45 CEST
|
Abstract #P959 Poster |
Encore: Ciltacabtagene autoleucel vs standard of care in patients with functional high-risk multiple myeloma: CARTITUDE-4 subgroup analysis
|
Date/Time: June 14, 2024, 18:00-19:00 CEST
|
Abstract #P978 Poster
|
Ciltacabtagene autoleucel vs standard of care in lenalidomide-refractory multiple myeloma: Phase 3 CARTITUDE-4 subgroup analysis by cytogenetic risk |
Date/Time: June 14, 2024, 18:00-19:00 CEST
|
Abstract #P967 Poster
|
Comparative effectiveness of ciltacabtagene autoleucel from the CARTITUDE-4 trial vs real-world physician’s choice of therapy from the flatiron registry in lenalidomide-refractory multiple myeloma |
Date/Time: June 14, 2024,18:00-19:00 CEST
|
Abstract #P863 Poster
|
Clinical biomarkers associated with progression free survival to ciltacabtagene autoleucel in Chinese patients with relapsed/refractory multiple myeloma from CARTIFAN-1 STUDY |
Date/Time: June 14, 2024, 18:00-19:00 CEST
|
CARVYKTI® IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION
WARNING: CYTOKINE RELEASE SYNDROME, NEUROLOGIC TOXICITIES, HLH/MAS, PROLONGED and RECURRENT CYTOPENIA, and SECONDARY HEMATOLOGICAL MALIGNANCIES
Cytokine Release Syndrome (CRS), including fatal or life-threatening reactions, occurred in patients following treatment with CARVYKTI ®. Do not administer CARVYKTI ® to patients with active infection or inflammatory disorders. Treat severe or life-threatening CRS with tocilizumab or tocilizumab and corticosteroids.
Immune Effector Cell-Associated Neurotoxicity Syndrome (ICANS), which may be fatal or life-threatening, occurred following treatment with CARVYKTI ®, including before CRS onset, concurrently with CRS, after CRS resolution, or in the absence of CRS. Monitor for neurologic events after treatment with CARVYKTI ®. Provide supportive care and/or corticosteroids as needed.
Parkinsonism and Guillain-Barré syndrome (GBS) and their associated complications resulting in fatal or life-threatening reactions have occurred following treatment with CARVYKTI ®.
Hemophagocytic Lymphohistiocytosis/Macrophage Activation Syndrome (HLH/MAS), including fatal and life-threatening reactions, occurred in patients following treatment with CARVYKTI ®. HLH/MAS can occur with CRS or neurologic toxicities.
Prolonged and/or recurrent cytopenias with bleeding and infection and requirement for stem cell transplantation for hematopoietic recovery occurred following treatment with CARVYKTI ®.
Secondary hematological malignancies, including myelodysplastic syndrome and acute myeloid leukemia, have occurred in patients following treatment with CARVYKTI ®. T-cell malignancies have occurred following treatment of hematologic malignancies with BCMA- and CD19-directed genetically modified autologous T-cell immunotherapies, including CARVYKTI ®.
CARVYKTI ® is available only through a restricted program under a Risk Evaluation and Mitigation Strategy (REMS) called the CARVYKTI® REMS Program. |
WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS
INCREASED EARLY MORTALITY - In CARTITUDE-4, a (1:1) randomized controlled trial, there was a numerically higher percentage of early deaths in patients randomized to the CARVYKTI® treatment arm compared to the control arm. Among patients with deaths occurring within the first 10 months from randomization, a greater proportion (29/208;
CYTOKINE RELEASE SYNDROME (CRS), including fatal or life-threatening reactions, occurred following treatment with CARVYKTI®. Among patients receiving CARVYKTI® for RRMM in the CARTITUDE-1 & 4 studies (N=285), CRS occurred in
Ensure that a minimum of two doses of tocilizumab are available prior to infusion of CARVYKTI®.
Of the 285 patients who received CARVYKTI® in clinical trials,
Monitor patients at least daily for 10 days following CARVYKTI® infusion at a 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, immediately institute treatment with supportive care, tocilizumab, or tocilizumab and corticosteroids.
Counsel patients to seek immediate medical attention should signs or symptoms of CRS occur at any time.
NEUROLOGIC TOXICITIES, which may be severe, life-threatening, or fatal, occurred following treatment with CARVYKTI®. Neurologic toxicities included ICANS, neurologic toxicity with signs and symptoms of parkinsonism, GBS, immune mediated myelitis, peripheral neuropathies, and cranial nerve palsies. Counsel patients on the signs and symptoms of these neurologic toxicities, and on the delayed nature of onset of some of these toxicities. Instruct patients to seek immediate medical attention for further assessment and management if signs or symptoms of any of these neurologic toxicities occur at any time.
Among patients receiving CARVYKTI® in the CARTITUDE-1 & 4 studies for RRMM, one or more neurologic toxicities occurred in
Immune Effector Cell-Associated Neurotoxicity Syndrome (ICANS): Patients receiving CARVYKTI® may experience fatal or life-threatening ICANS following treatment with CARVYKTI®, including before CRS onset, concurrently with CRS, after CRS resolution, or in the absence of CRS.
Among patients receiving CARVYKTI® in the CARTITUDE-1 & 4 studies, ICANS occurred in
Immune Effector Cell-associated Neurotoxicity Syndrome (ICANS) occurred in
Monitor patients at least daily for 10 days following CARVYKTI® infusion at the REMS-certified healthcare facility for signs and symptoms of ICANS. Rule out other causes of ICANS symptoms. Monitor patients for signs or symptoms of ICANS for at least 4 weeks after infusion and treat promptly. Neurologic toxicity should be managed with supportive care and/or corticosteroids as needed [see Dosage and Administration (2.3)].
Parkinsonism: Neurologic toxicity with parkinsonism has been reported in clinical trials of CARVYKTI®. Among patients receiving CARVYKTI® in the CARTITUDE-1 & 4 studies, parkinsonism occurred in
Parkinsonism occurred in
Manifestations of parkinsonism included movement disorders, cognitive impairment, and personality changes. Monitor patients for signs and symptoms of parkinsonism that may be delayed in onset and managed with supportive care measures. There is limited efficacy information with medications used for the treatment of Parkinson’s disease for the improvement or resolution of parkinsonism symptoms following CARVYKTI® treatment.
Guillain-Barré Syndrome: A fatal outcome following GBS occurred following treatment with CARVYKTI® despite treatment with intravenous immunoglobulins. Symptoms reported include those consistent with Miller-Fisher variant of GBS, encephalopathy, motor weakness, speech disturbances, and polyradiculoneuritis.
Monitor for GBS. Evaluate patients presenting with peripheral neuropathy for GBS. Consider treatment of GBS with supportive care measures and in conjunction with immunoglobulins and plasma exchange, depending on severity of GBS.
Immune Mediated Myelitis: Grade 3 myelitis occurred 25 days following treatment with CARVYKTI® in CARTITUDE-4 in a patient who received CARVYKTI® as subsequent therapy. Symptoms reported included hypoesthesia of the lower extremities and the lower abdomen with impaired sphincter control. Symptoms improved with the use of corticosteroids and intravenous immune globulin. Myelitis was ongoing at the time of death from other cause.
Peripheral Neuropathy occurred following treatment with CARVYKTI®. Among patients receiving CARVYKTI® in the CARTITUDE-1 & 4 studies, peripheral neuropathy occurred in
Peripheral neuropathies occurred in
Cranial Nerve Palsies occurred following treatment with CARVYKTI®. Among patients receiving CARVYKTI® in the CARTITUDE-1 & 4 studies, cranial nerve palsies occurred in
The most frequent cranial nerve affected was the 7th cranial nerve. Additionally, cranial nerves III, V, and VI have been reported to be affected.
Monitor patients for signs and symptoms of cranial nerve palsies. Consider management with systemic corticosteroids, depending on the severity and progression of signs and symptoms.
HEMOPHAGOCYTIC LYMPHOHISTIOCYTOSIS (HLH)/MACROPHAGE ACTIVATION SYNDROME (MAS): Among patients receiving CARVYKTI® in the CARTITUDE-1 & 4 studies, HLH/MAS occurred in
Patients who develop HLH/MAS have an increased risk of severe bleeding. Monitor hematologic parameters in patients with HLH/MAS and transfuse per institutional guidelines. Fatal cases of HLH/MAS occurred following treatment with CARVYKTI®.
HLH is a life-threatening condition with a high mortality rate if not recognized and treated early. Treatment of HLH/MAS should be administered per institutional standards.
CARVYKTI® REMS: Because of the risk of CRS and neurologic toxicities, CARVYKTI® is available only through a restricted program under a Risk Evaluation and Mitigation Strategy (REMS) called the CARVYKTI® REMS.
Further information is available at https://www.carvyktirems.com or 1-844-672-0067.
PROLONGED AND RECURRENT CYTOPENIAS: Patients may exhibit prolonged and recurrent cytopenias following lymphodepleting chemotherapy and CARVYKTI® infusion. Among patients receiving CARVYKTI® in the CARTITUDE-1 & 4 studies, Grade 3 or higher cytopenias not resolved by day 30 following CARVYKTI® infusion occurred in
Monitor blood counts prior to and after CARVYKTI® infusion. Manage cytopenias with growth factors and blood product transfusion support according to local institutional guidelines.
INFECTIONS: CARVYKTI® should not be administered to patients with active infection or inflammatory disorders. Severe, life-threatening, or fatal infections, occurred in patients after CARVYKTI® infusion.
Among patients receiving CARVYKTI® in the CARTITUDE-1 & 4 studies, infections occurred in
Monitor patients for signs and symptoms of infection before and after CARVYKTI® infusion and treat patients appropriately. Administer prophylactic, pre-emptive, and/or therapeutic antimicrobials according to the standard institutional guidelines. Febrile neutropenia was observed in
Viral Reactivation: Hepatitis B virus (HBV) reactivation, in some cases resulting in fulminant hepatitis, hepatic failure, and death, can occur in patients with hypogammaglobulinemia. Perform screening for Cytomegalovirus (CMV), HBV, hepatitis C virus (HCV), human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), or any other infectious agents if clinically indicated in accordance with clinical guidelines before collection of cells for manufacturing. Consider antiviral therapy to prevent viral reactivation per local institutional guidelines/clinical practice.
HYPOGAMMAGLOBULINEMIA: can occur in patients receiving treatment with CARVYKTI®. Among patients receiving CARVYKTI® in the CARTITUDE-1 & 4 studies, hypogammaglobulinemia adverse event was reported in
Hypogammaglobulinemia either as an adverse reaction or laboratory IgG level below 500mg/dl, after infusion occurred in
Monitor immunoglobulin levels after treatment with CARVYKTI® and administer IVIG for IgG <400 mg/dL. Manage per local institutional guidelines, including infection precautions and antibiotic or antiviral prophylaxis.
Use of Live Vaccines: The safety of immunization with live viral vaccines during or following CARVYKTI® 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 CARVYKTI® treatment, and until immune recovery following treatment with CARVYKTI®.
HYPERSENSITIVITY REACTIONS occurred following treatment with CARVYKTI®. Among patients receiving CARVYKTI® in the CARTITUDE-1 & 4 studies, hypersensitivity reactions occurred in
Serious hypersensitivity reactions, including anaphylaxis, may be due to the dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) in CARVYKTI®. Patients should be carefully monitored for 2 hours after infusion for signs and symptoms of severe reaction. Treat promptly and manage patients appropriately according to the severity of the hypersensitivity reaction.
SECONDARY MALIGNANCIES: Patients treated with CARVYKTI® may develop secondary malignancies. Among patients receiving CARVYKTI® in the CARTITUDE-1 & 4 studies, myeloid neoplasms occurred in
Monitor life-long for secondary malignancies. In the event that a secondary malignancy occurs, contact Janssen Biotech, Inc. at 1-800-526-7736 for reporting and to obtain instructions on collection of patient samples.
EFFECTS ON ABILITY TO DRIVE AND USE MACHINES: Due to the potential for neurologic events, including altered mental status, seizures, neurocognitive decline, or neuropathy, patients receiving CARVYKTI® are at risk for altered or decreased consciousness or coordination in the 8 weeks following CARVYKTI® 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, and in the event of new onset of any neurologic toxicities.
ADVERSE REACTIONS
The most common nonlaboratory adverse reactions (incidence greater than
Please read full Prescribing Information, including Boxed Warning, for CARVYKTI®.
ABOUT CARVYKTI® (CILTACABTAGENE AUTOLEUCEL; CILTA-CEL)
Ciltacabtagene autoleucel is a BCMA-directed, genetically modified autologous T-cell immunotherapy, which involves reprogramming a patient’s own T-cells with a transgene encoding a chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) that identifies and eliminates cells that express BCMA. The cilta-cel CAR protein features two BCMA-targeting single domain antibodies designed to confer high avidity against human BCMA. Upon binding to BCMA-expressing cells, the CAR promotes T-cell activation, expansion, and elimination of target cells.1
In December 2017, Legend Biotech entered into an exclusive worldwide license and collaboration agreement with Janssen Biotech, Inc. (Janssen), a Johnson & Johnson company, to develop and commercialize cilta-cel. In February 2022, cilta-cel was approved by the
In May 2022, the European Commission (EC) granted conditional marketing authorization of CARVYKTI® for the treatment of adults with relapsed and refractory multiple myeloma. In September 2022, Japan’s Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare (MHLW) approved CARVYKTI®. Cilta-cel was granted Breakthrough Therapy Designation in the
ABOUT CARTITUDE-2
CARTITUDE-2 (NCT04133636) is an ongoing Phase 2 multicohort study evaluating the safety and efficacy of cilta-cel in various clinical settings (Cohorts A, B, C, D, E, F, G, H).2
ABOUT CARTITUDE-4
CARTITUDE-4 (NCT04181827) is an ongoing, international, randomized, open-label Phase 3 study evaluating the efficacy and safety of cilta-cel versus pomalidomide, bortezomib and dexamethasone (PVd) or daratumumab, pomalidomide and dexamethasone (DPd) in adult patients with relapsed and lenalidomide-refractory multiple myeloma who received one to three prior lines of therapy, including a PI and an IMiD.3
ABOUT MULTIPLE MYELOMA
Multiple myeloma is an incurable blood cancer that starts in the bone marrow and is characterized by an excessive proliferation of plasma cells.4 In 2024, it is estimated that more than 35,000 people will be diagnosed with multiple myeloma, and more than 12,000 people will die from the disease in the
ABOUT LEGEND BIOTECH
Legend Biotech is a global biotechnology company dedicated to treating, and one day curing, life-threatening diseases. Headquartered in
Learn more at www.legendbiotech.com and follow us on X (formerly Twitter) and LinkedIn.
CAUTIONARY NOTE REGARDING FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS
Statements in this press release about future expectations, plans, and prospects, as well as any other statements regarding matters that are not historical facts, constitute “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of The Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These statements include, but are not limited to, statements relating to Legend Biotech’s strategies and objectives; statements relating to CARVYKTI®, including Legend Biotech’s expectations for CARVYKTI® and its therapeutic potential; statements related to the potential results from ongoing studies in the CARTITUDE clinical development program; and the potential benefits of Legend Biotech’s product candidates. The words “anticipate,” “believe,” “continue,” “could,” “estimate,” “expect,” “intend,” “may,” “plan,” “potential,” “predict,” “project,” “should,” “target,” “will,” “would” and similar expressions are intended to identify forward-looking statements, although not all forward-looking statements contain these identifying words. Actual results may differ materially from those indicated by such forward-looking statements as a result of various important factors. Legend Biotech’s expectations could be affected by, among other things, uncertainties involved in the development of new pharmaceutical products; unexpected clinical trial results, including as a result of additional analysis of existing clinical data or unexpected new clinical data; unexpected regulatory actions or delays, including requests for additional safety and/or efficacy data or analysis of data, or government regulation generally; unexpected delays as a result of actions undertaken, or failures to act, by our third party partners; uncertainties arising from challenges to Legend Biotech’s patent or other proprietary intellectual property protection, including the uncertainties involved in the
REFERENCES
1 CARVYKTI™ Prescribing Information. |
2 ClinicalTrials.gov. A Study of JNJ-68284528, a Chimeric Antigen Receptor T Cell (CAR-T) Therapy Directed Against B-cell Maturation Antigen (BCMA) in Participants With Multiple Myeloma (CARTITUDE-2). Available at: https://clinicaltrials.gov/study/NCT04133636. Last accessed Nov 2023. |
3 ClinicalTrials.Gov. A Study Comparing JNJ-68284528, a CAR-T Therapy Directed Against B-cell Maturation Antigen (BCMA), Versus Pomalidomide, Bortezomib and Dexamethasone (PVd) or Daratumumab, Pomalidomide and Dexamethasone (DPd) in Participants With Relapsed and Lenalidomide-Refractory Multiple Myeloma (CARTITUDE-4). https://www.clinicaltrials.gov/study/NCT04181827. Accessed March 2024. |
4 American Cancer Society. ”What is Multiple Myeloma?”. Available at: https://www.cancer.org/cancer/types/multiple-myeloma/about/what-is-multiple-myeloma.html. Accessed March 2024. |
5 American Cancer Society. “Key Statistics About Multiple Myeloma.” Available at: https://www.cancer.org/cancer/types/multiple-myeloma/about/key-statistics.html. Accessed March 2024 |
6 American Cancer Society. Multiple myeloma: early detection, diagnosis, and staging. Available at: https://www.cancer.org/content/dam/CRC/PDF/Public/8740.00.pdf. Accessed March 2023. |
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INVESTOR CONTACT:
Jessie Yeung
Tel: (732) 956-8271
jessie.yeung@legendbiotech.com
PRESS CONTACT:
MaryAnn Ondish
Tel: (914) 552-4625
media@legendbiotech.com
Source: Legend Biotech Corporation
FAQ
What data will Legend Biotech present at ASCO and EHA 2024?
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