Lilly Presents Positive Primary Outcome Data from monarchE that Builds on Previous Definitive Analysis for Verzenio®
Eli Lilly announced favorable results from the Phase 3 monarchE trial for Verzenio (abemaciclib), showing a 28.7% reduction in breast cancer recurrence risk in patients with hormone receptor-positive, HER2-negative early breast cancer when combined with standard adjuvant endocrine therapy.
The results, presented at the 2020 Virtual San Antonio Breast Cancer Symposium, indicated an improvement in invasive disease-free survival at 92.3% versus 89.3% in control. The data involved over 1,400 patients and showed consistent benefits across subgroups. Lilly plans to submit these findings to regulatory authorities by year-end 2020.
- 28.7% reduction in breast cancer recurrence risk for HR+/HER2- patients.
- Invasive disease-free survival at 92.3% in Verzenio arm vs. 89.3% control.
- 31.3% reduction in risk of metastatic disease.
- None.
INDIANAPOLIS, Dec. 9, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- Eli Lilly and Company (NYSE: LLY) today announced additional data from a pre-planned primary outcome analysis from the Phase 3 monarchE trial that showed Verzenio® (abemaciclib) in combination with standard adjuvant endocrine therapy (ET) decreased the risk of breast cancer recurrence by 28.7 percent compared to standard adjuvant ET alone for people with hormone receptor-positive (HR+), human epidermal growth factor receptor 2-negative (HER2-) high risk early breast cancer (HR: 0.713;
The timing of the primary outcome analysis was driven by the number of IDFS events observed in the intent-to-treat population across both arms as prespecified in the study's statistical analysis plan. The statistically significant benefit observed was consistent across all pre-specified subgroups. The median follow up was approximately 19.1 months.
The addition of Verzenio to ET also resulted in an improvement in distant relapse-free survival (DRFS), or time to developing breast cancer that has spread to other parts of the body. The combination reduced the risk of developing metastatic disease by 31.3 percent compared to 28.3 percent at interim analysis (HR: 0.687;
"As the monarchE data have matured, we have seen an improvement in the reduction of risk of recurrence for people with HR+, HER2- high risk early breast cancer," said Priya Rastogi, M.D., associate professor at the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, medical oncologist at UPMC Hillman Cancer Center and medical director of the National Surgical Adjuvant Breast and Bowel Project (NSABP) Foundation. "With more than 1,400 patients completing two years of treatment, we are pleased to see the curves continue to separate, as reflected by the numerically greater hazard ratio estimates for both invasive disease-free survival and distant relapse-free survival in the primary outcome analysis."
monarchE randomized 5,637 patients with HR+, HER2- high risk early breast cancer from more than 600 sites in 38 countries. High risk was defined by cancer that spread to the lymph nodes, a large tumor size, or high cellular proliferation (as determined by tumor grade or Ki-67 index). Patients were treated for two years (treatment period) or until meeting criteria for discontinuation. After the treatment period, all patients will continue ET for five to 10 years, as clinically indicated.
"The monarchE primary outcome data builds on the significance of the results of the interim analysis with a 28.7 percent reduction in the risk of recurrence for patients with HR+, HER2-, high risk early breast cancer," said Maura Dickler, M.D., vice president, late phase development, Lilly Oncology. "We are extremely pleased that these results continue to be strong and reinforce Verzenio as the only CDK4 & 6 inhibitor with positive results in the early breast cancer setting. We thank all those who participated in the trial and we are committed to making Verzenio available for these patients as quickly as possible."
A key secondary analysis evaluated the IDFS treatment benefit of patients enrolled in monarchE based on Ki-67 index. In patients whose tumors had high Ki-67 (≥
All patients on monarchE will continue to be followed to assess overall survival and other endpoints. Lilly will submit the monarchE data to regulatory authorities before the end of 2020.
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
For more than 50 years, Lilly has been dedicated to delivering life-changing medicines and support to people living with cancer and those who care for them. Lilly is determined to build on this heritage and continue making life better for all those affected by cancer around the world. To learn more about Lilly's commitment to people with cancer, please visit www.LillyOncology.com.
About Eli Lilly and Company
Lilly is a global health care leader that unites caring with discovery to create medicines that make life better for people around the world. We were founded more than a century ago by a man committed to creating high-quality medicines that meet real needs, and today we remain true to that mission in all our work. Across the globe, Lilly employees work to discover and bring life-changing medicines to those who need them, improve the understanding and management of disease, and give back to communities through philanthropy and volunteerism. To learn more about Lilly, please visit us at lilly.com and lilly.com/newsroom. P-LLY
© Lilly USA, LLC 2020. 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 the expected timing of regulatory submissions relating to Verzenio, 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 study results will be consistent with the results to date, that submission timelines will occur as planned, 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: November 19, 2020.
2 Howlader N, et al. SEER Cancer Statistics Review, 1975-2013. http://seer.cancer.gov/csr/1975_2013/. Accessed: November 19, 2020.
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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