INDIANAPOLIS, Oct. 6, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Eli Lilly and Company (NYSE: LLY) today announced that interim results from the double-blind, placebo-controlled Phase 3 MONARCH 3 study evaluating VerzenioTM (abemaciclib), a cyclin-dependent kinase (CDK)4 & 6 inhibitor, in combination with a nonsteroidal aromatase inhibitor (NSAI) (anastrozole or letrozole) were published online in the Journal of Clinical Oncology (JCO). These data, presented at the European Society for Medical Oncology (ESMO) 2017 Congress in September, demonstrated that abemaciclib plus an NSAI resulted in a statistically significant improvement in progression-free survival (PFS) and objective response rate (ORR) compared to an NSAI alone in women with hormone-receptor-positive (HR+), human epidermal growth factor receptor 2-negative (HER2-) advanced breast cancer.
“The significant results seen in MONARCH 3 confirm the clinical value of combining abemaciclib with an aromatase inhibitor in patients with endocrine-sensitive advanced breast cancer, and we look forward to seeing the final PFS data in the coming months,” said lead author Matthew P. Goetz, M.D., professor of oncology and pharmacology at Mayo Clinic and co-lead investigator of the MONARCH 3 study. “These data further demonstrate that abemaciclib is an effective treatment in the CDK4 & 6 class. This class represents a new standard of care in the treatment of advanced breast cancer.”
MONARCH 3 met a rigorous threshold for demonstrating efficacy at the time of pre-planned interim analysis with a 46 percent reduction in the risk of progression or death in patients receiving initial therapy for metastatic disease. The median PFS for abemaciclib in combination with an NSAI was not reached (i.e., the disease had not progressed significantly), compared to 14.7 months in the placebo arm (HR: 0.54; 95% CI: 0.41-0.72; P=0.000021). These results are supported by an improvement in response rate, with a 59.2 percent ORR in patients with measurable disease, including five patients (1.5%) achieving a complete response. Median duration of response (DoR) was not reached in the abemaciclib-plus-NSAI arm. Final PFS results are expected at the end of the year and will be presented at a scientific congress in the first half of 2018.
“At Lilly, we remain deeply committed to delivering standard-of-care changing medicines that improve the lives of many cancer patients,” said Levi Garraway, M.D., Ph.D., senior vice president, global development and medical affairs, Lilly Oncology. “We now have evidence from two randomized trials showing that the addition of Verzenio to an endocrine therapy provides clinical benefit to women with metastatic breast cancer and we look forward to further advancing our MONARCH clinical program.”
In MONARCH 3, abemaciclib in combination with an NSAI was generally well tolerated. The most frequent adverse events (AEs) of any grade in the abemaciclib-plus-NSAI arm were diarrhea, neutropenia, fatigue, infections, and nausea. Of these, the reported Grade 3/4 AEs in the abemaciclib-plus-NSAI arm versus the placebo-plus-NSAI arm were diarrhea (Grade 3: 9.5% vs 1.2%; no Grade 4 observed), neutropenia (Grade 3: 19.6% vs 0.6%; Grade 4: 1.5% vs 0.6%), fatigue (Grade 3: 1.8% vs 0%; no Grade 4 observed), infections (Grade 3: 4.0% vs 2.5%; Grade 4: 0.9% vs 0.6%), and nausea (Grade 3: 0.9% vs 1.2%; no Grade 4 observed).
Severity and frequency of diarrhea generally decreased following 28 days (one month), and was managed with over-the-counter antidiarrheal medication and dose adjustment. The majority (76.3%) of patients in the abemaciclib-plus-NSAI arm with an AE of diarrhea did not require treatment modification (dose interruption, reduction, or discontinuation), and 2.3 percent of patients discontinued treatment with abemaciclib due to diarrhea.
The MONARCH 3 study also included exploratory subgroup analyses that underscored consistency of results (when compared to the overall intention-to-treat [ITT] results) in patients with certain challenging disease characteristics. Further studies are needed to explore these findings.
MONARCH 3 was designed to evaluate the efficacy and safety of abemaciclib in combination with NSAIs as initial endocrine-based therapy for postmenopausal women with advanced (locoregionally recurrent or metastatic) breast cancer who have had no prior systemic treatment for advanced disease. If neoadjuvant/adjuvant endocrine therapy was administered, a disease-free interval of more than 12 months since completion of endocrine therapy was required. A total of 493 patients were randomized 2:1 to receive 150 mg of abemaciclib or placebo orally twice a day, without interruption, given in combination with either 1 mg of anastrozole or 2.5 mg of letrozole once daily until disease progression or unacceptable toxicity. The primary endpoint of the study was PFS, with key secondary endpoints of ORR, DoR, overall survival and safety.
Notes to Editor
About Advanced Breast Cancer
Breast cancer is the most frequently diagnosed cancer in women worldwide with nearly 1.7 million new cases diagnosed in 2012.[1] An estimated 252,710 new cases of invasive breast cancer are expected to be diagnosed in the U.S. in women in 2017.[2] Advanced breast cancer includes metastatic breast cancer, cancer that has spread from the breast tissue to other parts of the body, and locally or regionally advanced breast cancer, meaning the cancer has grown outside the organ where it started but has not yet spread to other parts of the body.[3] Of all early stage breast cancer cases diagnosed in the U.S., approximately 30 percent will become metastatic and an estimated six to 10 percent of all new breast cancer cases are initially diagnosed as being metastatic.[4] Survival is lower among women with a more advanced stage at diagnosis: 5-year relative survival is 99 percent for localized disease, 85 percent for regional disease, and 26 percent for metastatic disease. Other factors, such as tumor size, also impact 5-year survival estimates.[5]
About VerzenioTM (abemaciclib)
Verzenio (abemaciclib) is an inhibitor of CDK4 and CDK6, 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.
Verzenio disrupts the cell cycle. Preclinically, Verzenio dosed daily without interruption as a single agent or in combination with antiestrogens resulted in reduction of tumor size. 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). 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.[6]
INDICATION
Verzenio is indicated:
- in combination with fulvestrant for women with HR+, HER2- advanced or metastatic breast cancer with disease progression following endocrine therapy
- as monotherapy for the treatment of adult patients with HR+, HER2- advanced or metastatic breast cancer with disease progression following endocrine therapy and prior chemotherapy in the metastatic setting
IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION
Diarrhea occurred in 86% of patients receiving Verzenio plus fulvestrant in MONARCH 2 and 90% of patients receiving Verzenio alone in MONARCH 1. Grade 3 diarrhea occurred in 13% of patients receiving Verzenio plus fulvestrant in MONARCH 2 and in 20% of patients receiving Verzenio alone in MONARCH 1. Episodes of diarrhea have been associated with dehydration and infection.
In MONARCH 2, diarrhea incidence was greatest during the first month of Verzenio dosing. 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. Twenty-two percent of patients with diarrhea required a dose omission and 22% required a dose reduction. In the MONARCH 1 study, the time to onset and resolution for diarrhea were similar to those in MONARCH 2.
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 46% of patients receiving Verzenio plus fulvestrant in MONARCH 2 and 37% of patients receiving Verzenio alone in MONARCH 1. A Grade 3 decrease in neutrophil count (based on laboratory findings) occurred in 32% of patients receiving Verzenio plus fulvestrant in MONARCH 2 and in 27% of patients receiving Verzenio in MONARCH 1. In MONARCH 2 and MONARCH 1, the median time to first episode of Grade >3 neutropenia was 29 days, and the median duration of Grade 3 neutropenia was 15 days.
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 1% of patients exposed to Verzenio in MONARCH 2 and MONARCH 1. Two deaths due to neutropenic sepsis were observed in MONARCH 2. Inform patients to promptly report any episodes of fever to their healthcare provider.
Grade 3 increases in alanine aminotransferase (ALT) (4% versus 2%) and aspartate aminotransferase (AST) (2% versus 3%) were reported in the Verzenio and placebo arms respectively, in MONARCH 2.
In MONARCH 2, for patients receiving Verzenio plus fulvestrant with Grade 3 ALT increased, median time to onset was 57 days, and median time to resolution to Grade <3 was 14 days. For patients with Grade 3 AST increased, median time to onset was 185 days, and median time to resolution was 13 days.
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 5% of patients treated with Verzenio plus fulvestrant in MONARCH 2 as compared to 0.9% of patients treated with fulvestrant plus placebo. Venous thromboembolic events included deep vein thrombosis, pulmonary embolism, cerebral venous sinus thrombosis, subclavian and axillary vein thrombosis, and inferior vena cava thrombosis. Across the clinical development program, deaths due to venous thromboembolism have been reported. Monitor patients for signs and symptoms of venous thrombosis and pulmonary embolism and treat as medically appropriate.
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, 10%) observed in MONARCH 2for Verzenio plus fulvestrant and 2% higher than placebo plus fulvestrant were diarrhea (86% vs 25%), neutropenia (46% vs 4%), fatigue (46% vs 32%), nausea (45% vs 23%), infections (43% vs 25%), abdominal pain (35% vs 16%), anemia (29% vs 4%), leukopenia (28% vs 2%), decreased appetite (27% vs 12%), vomiting (26% vs 10%), headache (20% vs 15%), dysgeusia (18% vs 3%), thrombocytopenia (16% vs 3%), alopecia (16% vs 2%), stomatitis (15% vs 10%), ALT increased (13% vs 5%), pruritus (13% vs 6%), cough (13% vs 11%), dizziness (12% vs 6%), AST increased (12% vs 7%), peripheral edema (12% vs 7%), creatinine increased (12% vs <1%), rash (11% vs 4%), pyrexia (11% vs 6%), and weight decreased (10% vs 2%).
The most common adverse reactions (all grades, 10%) observed in MONARCH 1 with Verzenio were diarrhea (90%), fatigue (65%), nausea (64%), decreased appetite (45%), abdominal pain (39%), neutropenia (37%), vomiting (35%), infections (31%), anemia (25%), thrombocytopenia (20%), headache (20%), cough (19%), leukopenia (17%), constipation (17%), arthralgia (15%), dry mouth (14%), weight decreased (14%), stomatitis (14%), creatinine increased (13%), alopecia (12%), dysgeusia (12%), pyrexia (11%), dizziness (11%), and dehydration (10%).
The most frequently reported 5% Grade 3 or 4adverse reactions that occurred in the Verzenio arm of MONARCH 2 were neutropenia (27% vs 2%), diarrhea (13% vs <1%), leukopenia (9% vs 0%), anemia (7% vs 1%), and infections (6% vs 3%).
The most frequently reported 5% Grade 3 or 4 adverse reactions from MONARCH 1 with Verzenio were neutropenia (24%), diarrhea (20%), fatigue (13%), infections (7%), leukopenia (6%), anemia (5%), and nausea (5%).
Lab abnormalities (all grades; Grade 3 or 4) for MONARCH 2 in 10% for Verzenio plus fulvestrant and 2% higher than placebo plus fulvestrant were increased serum creatinine (98% vs 74%; 1% vs 0%), decreased white blood cells (90% vs 33%; 23% vs 1%), decreased neutrophil count (87% vs 30%; 33% vs 4%), anemia (84% vs 33%; 3% vs <1%), decreased lymphocyte count (63% vs 32%; 12% vs 2%), decreased platelet count (53% vs 15%; 2% vs 0%), increased ALT (41% vs 32%; 5% vs 1%), and increased AST (37% vs 25%; 4% vs 4%).
Lab abnormalities (all grades; Grade 3 or 4)for MONARCH 1 with Verzenio were increased serum creatinine (98%; <1%), decreased white blood cells (91%; 28%), decreased neutrophil count (88%; 27%), anemia (68%; 0%), decreased lymphocyte count (42%; 14%), decreased platelet count (41%; 2%), increased ALT (31%; 3%), and increased AST (30%; 4%).
Strong 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 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 other strong CYP3A inhibitors. 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 other 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 strong inhibitor. Patients should avoid grapefruit products.
Avoid concomitant use of strong CYP3A inducers and consider alternative agents. Coadministration of Verzenio with rifampin, a strong CYP3A inducer, 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).
Please see full Prescribing Information for Verzenio.
AL HCP ISI 02OCT2017
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 healthcare leader that unites caring with discovery to 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 www.lilly.com and newsroom.lilly.com/social-channels. (P-LLY)
© Lilly USA, LLC 2017. 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 abemaciclib as a potential treatment for patients with breast cancer and reflects Lilly’s current beliefs. However, as with any pharmaceutical product, there are substantial risks and uncertainties in the process of development and commercialization. Among other things, there can be no guarantee that abemaciclib 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.
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[1] World Cancer Research Fund International. Breast Cancer Statistics. http://www.wcrf.org/int/cancer-facts-figures/data-specific-cancers/breast-cancer-statistics. Accessed: September 26, 2017.
[2] American Cancer Society. Cancer Facts & Figures 2017. https://www.cancer.org/content/dam/cancer-org/research/cancer-facts-and-statistics/annual-cancer-facts-and-figures/2017/cancer-facts-and-figures-2017.pdf. Accessed: September 26, 2017.
[3] American Cancer Society. Understanding Advanced Cancer, Metastatic Cancer and Bone Metastases. https://www.cancer.org/treatment/understanding-your-diagnosis/advanced-cancer/what-is.html. Accessed: September 26, 2017.
[4] Metastatic Breast Cancer Network. 13 Facts about Metastatic Breast Cancer. http://www.mbcn.org/13-facts-about-metastatic-breast-cancer/. Accessed: September 26, 2017.
[5] American Cancer Society. Breast Cancer Facts & Figures 2015-2016. https://www.cancer.org/content/dam/cancer-org/research/cancer-facts-and-statistics/breast-cancer-facts-and-figures/breast-cancer-facts-and-figures-2015-2016.pdf. Accessed: September 26, 2017.
[6] Verzenio [package insert]. Indianapolis, IN: Eli Lilly and Company; 2017.
Refer to: | Erin Graves; graves_erin_elissa@lilly.com; 908-202-6354 (media) |
Phil Johnson; johnson_philip_l@lilly.com; 317-655-6874 (investors) |
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