Lilly Presents Patient-Reported Outcomes from the Positive Phase 3 monarchE Trial for Verzenio® at St. Gallen Virtual Congress 2021
Eli Lilly announced positive patient-reported outcomes for Verzenio (abemaciclib) combined with standard endocrine therapy for high-risk early breast cancer. In the analysis presented at the 17th St. Gallen Conference, about 70-75% of patients reported minimal side effects. The previous monarchE trial showed a significant 28.7% reduction in breast cancer recurrence with Verzenio. Most patients reported similar quality of life and side effects between treatment arms, except increased diarrhea in those receiving Verzenio. The ongoing trial will continue to assess safety and other outcomes.
- Patient-reported outcomes indicate 70-75% of patients felt minimally bothered by side effects.
- Verzenio reduced the risk of breast cancer recurrence by 28.7% in the monarchE trial.
- PROs showed comparable health-related quality of life between treatment groups.
- Increased reports of diarrhea among patients receiving Verzenio compared to ET alone.
INDIANAPOLIS, March 17, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Eli Lilly and Company (NYSE: LLY) today announced patient-reported outcomes (PRO) for the investigational use of Verzenio® (abemaciclib) in combination with standard adjuvant endocrine therapy (ET) for the treatment of hormone receptor-positive (HR+), human epidermal growth factor receptor 2-negative (HER2-) high risk early breast cancer (EBC). The PRO analysis included patients in both arms of the study and measured their experiences with side effects, symptoms, and health-related quality of life, in those receiving Verzenio plus ET versus ET alone. In one analysis, the PRO data indicated that most patients (approximately 70
The data builds on the primary outcome analysis of the positive Phase 3 monarchE trial that previously showed Verzenio, in combination with ET, decreased the risk of breast cancer recurrence by 28.7 percent compared to ET alone – a statistically significant improvement in invasive disease-free survival for HR+, HER2- high risk early breast cancer (HR: 0.713;
"The patient-reported outcomes analysis represents another step forward in our understanding of the impact for patients who receive abemaciclib in the early breast cancer setting," said Dr. Sara M. Tolaney, MD, MPH, Harvard Medical School, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute. "These important data demonstrate actual patient-reported outcomes, which are the first to be reported for a CDK4 & 6 inhibitor in the early breast cancer setting. These analyses continue to reaffirm our confidence in abemaciclib, and its potential to make a difference for those with high risk early breast cancer."
PROs were assessed at randomization, during treatment (3 months onwards) and in the follow-up period (safety population, n=5591). Overall, patient compliance for PROs was greater than 90 percent. Expectedly, patient-reported diarrhea was more common in patients receiving Verzenio plus ET. Most patients who experienced diarrhea while receiving Verzenio plus ET reported having diarrhea "a little bit" or "somewhat." Health-related quality of life, patient-reported endocrine symptoms and fatigue, as well as patient responses to items reflecting hot flushes, arthralgia and fatigue were similar between treatment arms. With the exception of diarrhea, the addition of Verzenio to ET did not result in any clinically meaningful differences in the PROs. The PRO poster was selected for one of the three St. Gallen International Breast Cancer Conference Poster Awards 2021.
The monarchE trial is ongoing and patients will continue to be followed to assess safety, PROs and other endpoints. The abstracts presented at St. Gallen will be published in a supplement issue of The Breast, available on March 17, 2021. A list of the data presentations, along with the viewing details, are highlighted below.
Verzenio (abemaciclib):
- Abstract # P008: Patients' quality of life and side effect perceptions in monarchE, a study of abemaciclib plus endocrine therapy in adjuvant treatment of HR+, HER2-, node-positive, high risk, early breast cancer (Sara M. Tolaney)
- Accepted as ePoster – Adjuvant Systemic Therapy
- Available on-demand on March 10, 2021
- Selected for one of the three St. Gallen International Breast Cancer Conference Poster Awards 2021
- Abstract # P013: Safety outcomes from monarchE: Phase 3 study of abemaciclib combined with endocrine therapy for the adjuvant treatment of HR+, HER-2-, node-positive, high risk, early breast cancer (Hope S. Rugo)
- Accepted as ePoster – Adjuvant Systemic Therapy
- Available on-demand on March 10, 2021
About the monarchE Study
monarchE is a Phase 3, multicenter, randomized, open-label trial that enrolled 5,637 patients with HR+, HER2-, node-positive, high risk early breast cancer. Patients were randomized 1:1 to Verzenio (150 mg twice daily) plus standard adjuvant endocrine therapy or standard adjuvant endocrine therapy alone. Patients were treated for two years (treatment period) or until meeting criteria for discontinuation. After the treatment period, all patients will continue on endocrine therapy for five to 10 years, as clinically indicated. The primary objective is invasive disease-free survival (IDFS) defined according to the Standard Definitions for Efficacy Endpoints (STEEP) criteria. In adjuvant breast cancer trials, this includes the length of time before any cancer comes back, a new cancer develops or death. Secondary objectives include distant relapse-free survival, overall survival, safety, pharmacokinetics and health outcomes.
High risk was specifically defined as women (any menopausal status) and men with resected HR+, HER2- invasive early breast cancer with either ≥4 pathologically positive axillary lymph nodes (ALNs) or 1 to 3 positive ALNs and at least one of the following high-risk features: primary invasive tumor size ≥5 cm, histological grade 3 tumor, or central Ki-67 index ≥
About Early Breast Cancer
Breast cancer is the most common cancer among women worldwide.1 An estimated
About Verzenio® (abemaciclib)
Verzenio (abemaciclib) is an inhibitor of cyclin-dependent kinases (CDK)4 & 6, which are activated by binding to D-cyclins. In estrogen receptor-positive (ER+) breast cancer cell lines, cyclin D1 and CDK4 & 6 promote phosphorylation of the retinoblastoma protein (Rb), cell cycle progression, and cell proliferation.
In vitro, continuous exposure to Verzenio inhibited Rb phosphorylation and blocked progression from G1 to S phase of the cell cycle, resulting in senescence and apoptosis (cell death). Preclinically, Verzenio dosed daily without interruption resulted in reduction of tumor size. Inhibiting CDK4 & 6 in healthy cells can result in side effects, some of which may be serious. Clinical evidence also suggests that Verzenio crosses the blood-brain barrier. In patients with advanced cancer, including breast cancer, concentrations of Verzenio and its active metabolites (M2 and M20) in cerebrospinal fluid are comparable to unbound plasma concentrations.
Verzenio is Lilly's first solid oral dosage form to be made using a faster, more efficient process known as continuous manufacturing. Continuous manufacturing is a new and advanced type of manufacturing within the pharmaceutical industry, and Lilly is one of the first companies to use this technology.
INDICATION
Verzenio is indicated for the treatment of HR+, HER2- advanced or metastatic breast cancer:
- in combination with an aromatase inhibitor for postmenopausal women as initial endocrine-based therapy
- in combination with fulvestrant for women with disease progression following endocrine therapy
- as a single agent for adult patients with disease progression following endocrine therapy and prior chemotherapy in the metastatic setting
IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION FOR VERZENIO (abemaciclib)
Diarrhea occurred in
Diarrhea incidence was greatest during the first month of Verzenio dosing. In MONARCH 3, the median time to onset of the first diarrhea event was 8 days, and the median duration of diarrhea for Grades 2 and 3 were 11 and 8 days, respectively. In MONARCH 2, the median time to onset of the first diarrhea event was 6 days, and the median duration of diarrhea for Grades 2 and 3 were 9 days and 6 days, respectively. In MONARCH 3,
Instruct patients that at the first sign of loose stools, they should start antidiarrheal therapy such as loperamide, increase oral fluids, and notify their healthcare provider for further instructions and appropriate follow-up. For Grade 3 or 4 diarrhea, or diarrhea that requires hospitalization, discontinue Verzenio until toxicity resolves to ≤Grade 1, and then resume Verzenio at the next lower dose.
Neutropenia occurred in
Monitor complete blood counts prior to the start of Verzenio therapy, every 2 weeks for the first 2 months, monthly for the next 2 months, and as clinically indicated. Dose interruption, dose reduction, or delay in starting treatment cycles is recommended for patients who develop Grade 3 or 4 neutropenia.
Febrile neutropenia has been reported in <
Severe, life-threatening, or fatal interstitial lung disease (ILD) and/or pneumonitis can occur in patients treated with Verzenio and other CDK4/6 inhibitors. Across clinical trials (MONARCH 1, MONARCH 2, MONARCH 3),
Monitor patients for pulmonary symptoms indicative of ILD/pneumonitis. Symptoms may include hypoxia, cough, dyspnea, or interstitial infiltrates on radiologic exams. Infectious, neoplastic, and other causes for such symptoms should be excluded by means of appropriate investigations.
Dose interruption or dose reduction is recommended in patients who develop persistent or recurrent Grade 2 ILD/pneumonitis. Permanently discontinue Verzenio in all patients with grade 3 or 4 ILD/pneumonitis.
Grade ≥3 increases in alanine aminotransferase (ALT) (
In MONARCH 3, for patients receiving Verzenio plus an aromatase inhibitor with Grade ≥3 increases in ALT or AST, median time to onset was 61 and 71 days, respectively, and median time to resolution to Grade <3 was 14 and 15 days, respectively. In MONARCH 2, for patients receiving Verzenio plus fulvestrant with Grade ≥3 increases in ALT or AST, median time to onset was 57 and 185 days, respectively, and median time to resolution to Grade <3 was 14 and 13 days, respectively.
For assessment of potential hepatotoxicity, monitor liver function tests (LFTs) prior to the start of Verzenio therapy, every 2 weeks for the first 2 months, monthly for the next 2 months, and as clinically indicated. Dose interruption, dose reduction, dose discontinuation, or delay in starting treatment cycles is recommended for patients who develop persistent or recurrent Grade 2, or Grade 3 or 4, hepatic transaminase elevation.
Venous thromboembolic events were reported in
Verzenio can cause fetal harm when administered to a pregnant woman based on findings from animal studies and the mechanism of action. In animal reproduction studies, administration of abemaciclib to pregnant rats during the period of organogenesis caused teratogenicity and decreased fetal weight at maternal exposures that were similar to the human clinical exposure based on area under the curve (AUC) at the maximum recommended human dose. Advise pregnant women of the potential risk to a fetus. Advise females of reproductive potential to use effective contraception during treatment with Verzenio and for at least 3 weeks after the last dose. There are no data on the presence of Verzenio in human milk or its effects on the breastfed child or on milk production. Advise lactating women not to breastfeed during Verzenio treatment and for at least 3 weeks after the last dose because of the potential for serious adverse reactions in breastfed infants. Based on findings in animals, Verzenio may impair fertility in males of reproductive potential.
The most common adverse reactions (all grades, ≥
The most common adverse reactions (all grades, ≥
The most common adverse reactions (all grades, ≥
The most frequently reported ≥
The most frequently reported ≥
The most frequently reported ≥
Lab abnormalities (all grades; Grade 3 or 4) for MONARCH 3 in ≥
Lab abnormalities (all grades; Grade 3 or 4) for MONARCH 2 in ≥
Lab abnormalities (all grades; Grade 3 or 4) for MONARCH 1 were increased serum creatinine (
Strong and moderate CYP3A inhibitors increased the exposure of abemaciclib plus its active metabolites to a clinically meaningful extent and may lead to increased toxicity. Avoid concomitant use of the strong CYP3A inhibitor ketoconazole. Ketoconazole is predicted to increase the AUC of abemaciclib by up to 16-fold. In patients with recommended starting doses of 200 mg twice daily or 150 mg twice daily, reduce the Verzenio dose to 100 mg twice daily with concomitant use of strong CYP3A inhibitors other than ketoconazole. In patients who have had a dose reduction to 100 mg twice daily due to adverse reactions, further reduce the Verzenio dose to 50 mg twice daily with concomitant use of strong CYP3A inhibitors. If a patient taking Verzenio discontinues a strong CYP3A inhibitor, increase the Verzenio dose (after 3 to 5 half-lives of the inhibitor) to the dose that was used before starting the inhibitor. With concomitant use of moderate CYP3A inhibitors, monitor for adverse reactions and consider reducing the Verzenio dose in 50 mg decrements. Patients should avoid grapefruit products.
Avoid concomitant use of strong or moderate CYP3A inducers and consider alternative agents. Coadministration of strong or moderate CYP3A inducers decreased the plasma concentrations of abemaciclib plus its active metabolites and may lead to reduced activity.
With severe hepatic impairment (Child-Pugh Class C), reduce the Verzenio dosing frequency to once daily. The pharmacokinetics of Verzenio in patients with severe renal impairment (CLcr <30 mL/min), end stage renal disease, or in patients on dialysis is unknown. No dosage adjustments are necessary in patients with mild or moderate hepatic (Child-Pugh A or B) and/or renal impairment (CLcr ≥30-89 mL/min).
AL HCP ISI 17SEP2019
Please see full Prescribing Information for Verzenio.
About Lilly Oncology
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About Eli Lilly and Company
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© Lilly USA, LLC 2021. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.
Verzenio® is a trademark owned by or licensed to Eli Lilly and Company, its subsidiaries, or affiliates.
Lilly Forward-Looking Statement
This press release contains forward-looking statements (as that term is defined in the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995) about Verzenio (abemaciclib) as a treatment for patients with breast cancer and reflects Lilly's current beliefs and expectations. However, as with any pharmaceutical product, there are substantial risks and uncertainties in the process of research, development, regulatory approval, and commercialization. Among other things, there can be no guarantee that future studies will be completed as planned, that future study results will be consistent with the results to date, or that Verzenio will receive additional regulatory approvals or be commercially successful. For further discussion of these and other risks and uncertainties, see Lilly's most recent Form 10-K and Form 10-Q filings with the United States Securities and Exchange Commission. Except as required by law, Lilly undertakes no duty to update forward-looking statements to reflect events after the date of this release.
1 World Health Organization. Breast cancer: prevention and control. https://www.who.int/cancer/detection/breastcancer/en/index1.html. Accessed: February 25, 2021.
2 Howlader N, et al. SEER Cancer Statistics Review, 1975-2013. http://seer.cancer.gov/csr/1975_2013/. Accessed: February 25, 2021.
3 Howlader N, Altekruse S, Li C. US incidence of breast cancer subtypes defined by joint hormone receptor and HER2 status. J Natl Cancer Inst. 2014;106(5).
4 Reinert T and Barrios CH. Optimal Management of Hormone Receptor Positive Metastatic Breast Cancer in 2016. Ther Adv Med Oncol. 2015;7(6):304-20.
Refer to: | Courtney Kasinger; ckasinger@lilly.com; 317-501-7056 (media) |
Kevin Hern; hern_kevin_r@lilly.com; 317-277-1838 (investors) |
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