Takeda to Present Positive Primary Analysis from Phase 2 OPTIC Trial of ICLUSIG® (ponatinib), Reinforcing Ability to Address Gaps in Care for Chronic-Phase CML

– OPTIC Trial Evaluating Response-Based Dosing Regimens of ICLUSIG for the Treatment of Resistant / Intolerant Chronic-Phase CML Demonstrates Durable, Clinically Meaningful Depth of Response While Managing Arterial Occlusive Event Risk

– Oral Presentation of the OPTIC Primary Analysis at the American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) and European Hematology Association (EHA) Annual Meetings

OSAKA, Japan, and CAMBRIDGE, Massachusetts May 19, 2021– Takeda Pharmaceutical Company Limited (TSE:4502/NYSE:TAK) (“Takeda”) today announced that primary analysis data from the Phase 2 OPTIC (Optimizing Ponatinib Treatment In CML) trial will be presented during an oral session at the virtual 57^th American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) Annual Meeting, and as an oral session at the virtual 26^th European Hematology Association (EHA) Annual Meeting. The OPTIC trial is a randomized, open-label study prospectively evaluating response-based dosing regimens of ICLUSIG^® (ponatinib) over a range of three starting doses (45-, 30-, or 15-mg) with the aim of optimizing its efficacy and safety in patients with chronic-phase chronic myeloid leukemia (CP-CML) who are resistant or intolerant to prior tyrosine kinase inhibitor (TKI) therapy.

The OPTIC trial, which evaluated treatment in patients with resistant disease, with and without mutations, met its primary endpoint. The study demonstrates that the optimal benefit-risk profile for ICLUSIG in patients with CP-CML is achieved with a daily starting dose of 45-mg and, upon achieving ≤1% BCR-ABL1^IS, dose reduction to 15-mg. The results also suggest a clinically manageable safety and arterial occlusive event (AOE) profile for ICLUSIG.  

“The primary analysis of the OPTIC data reinforce that ICLUSIG is very valuable in the management of patients with resistant and intolerant chronic-phase CML. ICLUSIG should be considered following failure of two or more TKIs. This approach minimizes the need to use back-to-back second-generation TKIs, which is usually associated with low probability of response and poor outcomes,” said Jorge Cortes, MD, Georgia Cancer Center at Augusta University, and an OPTIC trial principal investigator. “These findings further demonstrate that the optimal ICLUSIG benefit-risk profile can be achieved with a response-based dosing regimen, providing efficacy while reducing risk for arterial occlusive events.”

The first presentation of OPTIC data at the 56^th ASCO and the 25^th EHA virtual Annual Meetings in 2020 showcased revised benefit-risk outcomes of ICLUSIG from the interim analysis (cutoff date of July 2019), which evaluated 216 patients with a median follow-up of 21 months. The primary analysis evaluated 283 patients with a median follow-up time of 32 months, reinforcing the positive and prolonged duration of response in this resistant CP-CML patient population while maintaining a manageable safety profile at a longer follow-up period.

“There is a misconception that chronic-phase CML is a ‘good cancer’ due to the fact it can be well controlled, but for patients with resistant and intolerant disease, continued investigation and treatment options are critical. The primary analysis of OPTIC solidifies our understanding of how ICLUSIG can address gaps in care for these patients,” said Christopher Arendt, Ph.D., Head, Oncology Therapeutic Area Unit, Takeda. “The OPTIC data, along with the recently updated U.S. FDA indication, demonstrate the benefit ICLUSIG can offer as a third-generation TKI.”

In December 2020, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved a supplemental New Drug Application (sNDA) for ICLUSIG based on the OPTIC data. The updated label includes an expanded indication for adult patients with CP-CML that is resistant or intolerant to at least two prior kinase inhibitors, as well as the optimized response-based dosing regimen.

OPTIC Primary Analysis: A Dose-Optimization Study of Three Starting Doses of Ponatinib (PON).

Key findings, to be presented by Dr. Jorge Cortes, include:

• By the primary analysis (cutoff date of May 2020) with median follow-up time of 32 months, 100% of patients in the OPTIC trial were evaluable for the primary endpoint.
• The maximum rates of ≤1% BCR-ABL1^IS at 12 months were achieved in the 45-mg/day starting dose cohort (44.1%), and 73.3% of patients in this cohort maintained responses with the dose reduction to 15-mg/day. 30-mg/day and 15-mg/day cohorts also demonstrated benefit (29% and 23%, respectively), especially in patients with less-resistant disease and without the T315I mutation.
• Positive survival outcomes were observed in all three arms, with an 89% 36-month overall survival (OS) probability anticipated for the 45-mg starting dose cohort and 73% progression-free survival (PFS) anticipated for the same cohort.
• This indicates the dose-reduction strategy did not impact overall survival regardless of prior second-generation TKI resistance or the presence of BCR-ABL1 mutations.
• Rates of arterial occlusive events (AOEs) observed at the time of primary analysis (6% overall and 9.6% in the 45-mg cohort) suggest a clinically manageable safety and AOE profile.
• Safety data include:
  • Among all patients (N=283), the most common treatment emergent adverse events (TEAEs) Grade 3 or greater were thrombocytopenia (27%), neutropenia (17%) and anemia (7%).
  • Reported AOEs were 10%, 5% and 3% for the 45-, 30-, 15-mg/day starting dose cohorts, respectively. Grade 3 or greater AOEs were 5%, 5% and 3% for the 45-, 30-, 15-mg/day starting dose cohorts, respectively.
  • Reported serious AOEs were 4%, 4% and 3% for the 45-, 30-, 15-mg/day starting dose cohorts, respectively. There were 4 deaths related to AEs (2 sudden deaths and 2 pneumonia).

Learn more about Takeda Oncology’s presence at this year’s ASCO and EHA annual meetings. Takeda will host a webcast for analysts and investors on Tuesday, June 8, at 6:30 p.m. ET to discuss these and other data being presented at ASCO, and to provide an update on the oncology pipeline. Please contact [email protected] for further details. Presentation slides and an archived replay of the webcast will be available at https://www.takeda.com/investors/reports/ir-events/.

 

About the OPTIC Trial

OPTIC (Optimizing Ponatinib Treatment In CML) is an ongoing randomized, dose-ranging trial designed to evaluate three starting doses of ICLUSIG (45-, 30-, and 15-mg) in patients with resistant chronic-phase chronic myeloid leukemia (CP-CML) or who had documented history of presence of T315I mutation after receiving any number of prior TKIs. Dose reduction at response occurred per study protocol. The trial is expected to inform the optimal use of ICLUSIG^® (ponatinib) in these patients. 282 patients were enrolled at clinical sites around the world, with 94 patients receiving the 45-mg starting dose. The primary endpoint of the trial is achieving ≤1% BCR-ABL1^IS at 12 months.

OPTIC data showed that optimal benefit-risk with ICLUSIG can be obtained with a response-based dosing regimen, 45-mg/day to 15-mg/day upon achieving ≤1% BCR-ABL1^IS in patients with CP-CML highly resistant to prior TKI therapies both with or without mutations. At 12 months, 44% (41/93) of patients who received the 45-mg starting dose achieved ≤1% BCR-ABL1^IS. At a median follow up time of 32 months, the OPTIC study showed that, among patients receiving ICLUSIG 45- to 15-mg, 73% maintained their response. In these patients, 10% experienced an AOE of any Grade, 5% experienced Grade 3 or higher. The most common TEAEs occurring in > 15% of patients were thrombocytopenia, hypertension, headache, neutropenia, anemia, headache, lipase increased, alanine aminotransferase (ALT) increased, and arthralgia.

 

About CML and Ph+ ALL

CML – a rare malignancy – is one of four main types of leukemia; it is a result of a genetic mutation that takes place in early, immature versions of myeloid cells, which form red blood cells, platelets and most types of white blood cells. Subsequently, an abnormal gene called BCR-ABL1 forms, turning the damaged cell into a CML cell. CML typically progresses slowly, but it can change into a fast-growing acute leukemia that is hard to treat.

Ph+ ALL is a rare form of ALL that affects approximately 25% of adult ALL patients in the U.S. and is characterized by the presence of an abnormal gene, known as the Philadelphia chromosome. In patients who are Philadelphia chromosome-positive (Ph+), an abnormal chromosome is formed when pieces of chromosomes 9 and 22 switch with each other. This forms a longer chromosome 9 and a shorter chromosome 22, which leads to the development of BCR-ABL1 and is associated with Ph+ ALL.

 

About ICLUSIG^® (ponatinib) tablets

ICLUSIG is a kinase inhibitor targeting BCR-ABL1, an abnormal tyrosine kinase that is expressed in CML and Ph+ ALL. ICLUSIG is a targeted cancer medicine developed using a computational and structure-based drug-design platform, specifically designed to inhibit the activity of BCR-ABL1 and its mutations. ICLUSIG inhibits native BCR-ABL1, as well as all BCR-ABL1 treatment-resistant mutations, including the most resistant T315I mutation. ICLUSIG is the only approved TKI that demonstrates activity against the T315I gatekeeper mutation of BCR-ABL1. This mutation has been associated with resistance to all other approved TKIs. ICLUSIG received full approval from the FDA in November 2016. ICLUSIG is indicated for the treatment of adult patients with chronic-phase (CP) CML with resistance or intolerance to at least two prior kinase inhibitors, accelerated-phase (AP) or blast-phase (BP) CML or Ph+ ALL for whom no other kinase inhibitor is indicated, and T315I+ CML (CP, AP or BP) or T315I-positive Ph+ ALL. ICLUSIG is not indicated and is not recommended for the treatment of patients with newly diagnosed CP-CML.

 

IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION

WARNING: ARTERIAL OCCLUSIVE EVENTS, VENOUS THROMBOEMBOLIC EVENTS, HEART FAILURE, and HEPATOTOXICITY See full prescribing information for complete boxed warning.  ·         Arterial occlusive events (AOEs), including fatalities, have occurred in ICLUSIG-treated patients. AOEs included fatal myocardial infarction, stroke, stenosis of large arterial vessels of the brain, severe peripheral vascular disease, and the need for urgent revascularization procedures. Patients with and without cardiovascular risk factors, including patients age 50 years or younger, experienced these events. Monitor for evidence of AOEs. Interrupt or discontinue ICLUSIG based on severity. Consider benefit-risk to guide a decision to restart ICLUSIG. ·         Venous thromboembolic events (VTEs) have occurred in ICLUSIG-treated patients. Monitor for evidence of VTEs. Interrupt or discontinue ICLUSIG based on severity. ·         Heart failure, including fatalities, occurred in ICLUSIG-treated patients. Monitor for heart failure and manage patients as clinically indicated. Interrupt or discontinue ICLUSIG for new or worsening heart failure. ·         Hepatotoxicity, liver failure and death have occurred in ICLUSIG-treated patients. Monitor liver function tests. Interrupt or discontinue ICLUSIG based on severity.

 

WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS

Arterial Occlusive Events (AOEs): AOEs, including fatalities, have occurred in patients who received ICLUSIG in OPTIC and PACE. These included cardiovascular, cerebrovascular, and peripheral vascular events. The incidence of AOEs in OPTIC (45 mg à15 mg) was 13% of 94 patients; 5% experienced Grade 3 or 4. In PACE, the incidence of AOEs was 26% of 449 patients; 14% experienced Grade 3 or 4. Fatal AOEs occurred in 2.1% of patients in OPTIC, and in 2% of patients in PACE. Some patients in PACE experienced recurrent or multisite vascular occlusion. Patients with and without cardiovascular risk factors, including patients age 50 years or younger, experienced these events. The most common risk factors observed with these events in PACE were history of hypertension, hypercholesterolemia, and non-ischemic cardiac disease. In OPTIC and PACE, AOEs were more frequent with increasing age.

In OPTIC, patients with uncontrolled hypertension or diabetes and patients with clinically significant, uncontrolled, or active cardiovascular disease were excluded. In PACE, patients with uncontrolled hypertriglyceridemia and patients with clinically significant or active cardiovascular disease within the 3 months prior to the first dose of ICLUSIG were excluded. Consider whether the benefits of ICLUSIG are expected to exceed the risks.

Monitor for evidence of AOEs. Interrupt, then resume at the same or decreased dose or discontinue ICLUSIG based on recurrence/severity. Consider benefit-risk to guide a decision to restart ICLUSIG.

Venous Thromboembolic Events (VTEs): Serious or severe VTEs have occurred in patients who received ICLUSIG. In PACE, VTEs occurred in 6% of 449 patients including serious or severe (Grade 3 or 4) VTEs in 5.8% of patients. VTEs included deep venous thrombosis, pulmonary embolism, superficial thrombophlebitis, retinal vein occlusion, and retinal vein thrombosis with vision loss. The incidence was higher in patients with Ph+ ALL (9% of 32 patients) and BP-CML (10% of 62 patients). One of 94 patients in OPTIC experienced a VTE (Grade 1 retinal vein occlusion). Monitor for evidence of VTEs. Interrupt, then resume at the same or decreased dose or discontinue ICLUSIG based on recurrence/severity.

Heart Failure: Fatal, serious or severe heart failure events have occurred in patients who received ICLUSIG. In PACE, heart failure occurred in 9% of 449 patients; 7% experienced serious or severe (Grade 3 or higher). Heart failure occurred in 12% of 94 patients in OPTIC; 1.1% experienced serious or severe (Grade 3 or 4). In PACE, the most frequently reported heart failure events (≥2%) were congestive cardiac failure (3.1%), decreased ejection fraction (2.9%), and cardiac failure (2%). In OPTIC, the most frequently reported heart failure events (>1 patient each) were left ventricular hypertrophy (2.1%) and BNP increased (2.1%). Monitor patients for signs or symptoms consistent with heart failure and manage heart failure as clinically indicated. Interrupt, then resume at reduced dose or discontinue ICLUSIG for new or worsening heart failure.

Hepatotoxicity: ICLUSIG can cause hepatotoxicity, including liver failure and death. Fulminant hepatic failure leading to death occurred in 3 patients, with hepatic failure occurring within 1 week of starting ICLUSIG in one of these patients. These fatal cases occurred in patients with BP-CML or Ph+ ALL. Hepatotoxicity occurred in 25% of 94 patients in OPTIC and 32% of 449 patients in PACE. Grade 3 or 4 hepatotoxicity occurred in OPTIC (6% of 94 patients) and PACE (13% of 449 patients). The most frequent hepatotoxic events were elevations of ALT, AST, GGT, bilirubin, and alkaline phosphatase. Monitor liver function tests at baseline, then at least monthly or as clinically indicated. Interrupt, then resume at a reduced dose or discontinue ICLUSIG based on recurrence/severity.

Hypertension: Serious or severe hypertension, including hypertensive crisis, has occurred in patients who received ICLUSIG. Patients may require urgent clinical intervention for hypertension associated with confusion, headache, chest pain, or shortness of breath. Monitor blood pressure at baseline and as clinically indicated and manage hypertension as clinically indicated. Interrupt, dose reduce, or stop ICLUSIG if hypertension is not medically controlled. For significant worsening, labile or treatment-resistant hypertension, interrupt ICLUSIG and consider evaluating for renal artery stenosis.

Pancreatitis: Serious or severe pancreatitis has occurred in patients who received ICLUSIG. Elevations of lipase and amylase also occurred. In the majority of cases that led to dose modification or treatment discontinuation, pancreatitis resolved within 2 weeks. Monitor serum lipase every 2 weeks for the first 2 months and then monthly thereafter or as clinically indicated. Consider additional serum lipase monitoring in patients with a history of pancreatitis or alcohol abuse. Interrupt, then resume at the same or reduced dose or discontinue ICLUSIG based on severity. Evaluate for pancreatitis when lipase elevation is accompanied by abdominal symptoms.

Increased Toxicity in Newly Diagnosed Chronic Phase CML: In a prospective randomized clinical trial in the first line treatment of newly diagnosed patients with CP-CML, single agent ICLUSIG 45 mg once daily increased the risk of serious adverse reactions 2-fold compared to single agent imatinib 400 mg once daily. The median exposure to treatment was less than 6 months. The trial was halted for safety. Arterial and venous thrombosis and occlusions occurred at least twice as frequently in the ICLUSIG arm compared to the imatinib arm. Compared to imatinib-treated patients, ICLUSIG-treated patients exhibited a greater incidence of myelosuppression, pancreatitis, hepatotoxicity, cardiac failure, hypertension, and skin and subcutaneous tissue disorders. ICLUSIG is not indicated and is not recommended for the treatment of patients with newly diagnosed CP-CML.

Neuropathy: Peripheral and cranial neuropathy occurred in patients in OPTIC and PACE. Some of these events in PACE were Grade 3 or 4. Monitor patients for symptoms of neuropathy, such as hypoesthesia, hyperesthesia, paresthesia, discomfort, a burning sensation, neuropathic pain or weakness. Interrupt, then resume at the same or reduced dose or discontinue ICLUSIG based on recurrence/severity.

Ocular Toxicity: Serious or severe ocular toxicity leading to blindness or blurred vision have occurred in ICLUSIG-treated patients. The most frequent ocular toxicities occurring in OPTIC and PACE were dry eye, blurred vision, and eye pain. Retinal toxicities included age-related macular degeneration, macular edema, retinal vein occlusion, retinal hemorrhage, and vitreous floaters. Conduct comprehensive eye exams at baseline and periodically during treatment.

Hemorrhage: Fatal and serious hemorrhage events have occurred in patients who received ICLUSIG. Fatal hemorrhages occurred in PACE and serious hemorrhages occurred in OPTIC and PACE. The incidence of serious bleeding events was higher in patients with AP-CML, BP-CML, and Ph+ ALL. Gastrointestinal hemorrhage and subdural hematoma were the most frequently reported serious hemorrhages. Events often occurred in patients with Grade 4 thrombocytopenia. Monitor for hemorrhage and manage patients as clinically indicated. Interrupt, then resume at the same or reduced dose or discontinue ICLUSIG based on recurrence/severity.

Fluid Retention: Fatal and serious fluid retention events have occurred in patients who received ICLUSIG. In PACE, one instance of brain edema was fatal and serious events included pleural effusion, pericardial effusion, and angioedema. Monitor for fluid retention and manage patients as clinically indicated. Interrupt, then resume at the same or reduced dose or discontinue ICLUSIG based on recurrence/severity.

Cardiac Arrhythmias: Cardiac arrhythmias, including ventricular and atrial arrhythmias, occurred in patients in OPTIC and PACE. For some patients, events were serious or severe (Grade 3 or 4) and led to hospitalization. Monitor for signs and symptoms suggestive of slow heart rate (fainting, dizziness) or rapid heart rate (chest pain, palpitations or dizziness) and manage patients as clinically indicated. Interrupt, then resume at the same or reduced dose or discontinue ICLUSIG based on recurrence/severity.

Myelosuppression: Grade 3 or 4 events of neutropenia, thrombocytopenia, and anemia occurred in patients in OPTIC and PACE. The incidence of myelosuppression was greater in patients with AP-CML, BP-CML, and Ph+ ALL than in patients with CP-CML. Obtain complete blood counts every 2 weeks for the first 3 months and then monthly or as clinically indicated. If ANC less than 1 x 10⁹/L or platelets less than 50 x 10⁹/L, interrupt ICLUSIG until ANC at least 1.5 x 10⁹/L and platelets at least 75 x 10⁹/L, then resume at same or reduced dose.

Tumor Lysis Syndrome (TLS): Serious TLS was reported in ICLUSIG-treated patients in OPTIC and PACE. Ensure adequate hydration and treat high uric acid levels prior to initiating ICLUSIG.

Reversible Posterior Leukoencephalopathy Syndrome (RPLS): RPLS (also known as Posterior Reversible Encephalopathy Syndrome) has been reported in patients who received ICLUSIG. Along with neurological signs and symptoms, hypertension may be present. Diagnosis is made with supportive findings on magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of the brain. Interrupt ICLUSIG until resolution. The safety of resumption of ICLUSIG in patients upon resolution of RPLS is unknown.

Impaired Wound Healing and Gastrointestinal Perforation: Impaired wound healing occurred in patients receiving ICLUSIG. Withhold ICLUSIG for at least 1 week prior to elective surgery. Do not administer for at least 2 weeks following major surgery and until adequate wound healing. The safety of resumption of ICLUSIG after resolution of wound healing complications has not been established. Gastrointestinal perforation or fistula occurred in patients receiving ICLUSIG. Permanently discontinue in patients with gastrointestinal perforation.

Embryo-Fetal Toxicity: Based on its mechanism of action and findings from animal studies, ICLUSIG can cause fetal harm when administered to a pregnant woman. In animal reproduction studies, adverse developmental effects occurred at exposures lower than human exposures at the recommended human dose. Advise pregnant women of the potential risk to the fetus. Advise females of reproductive potential to use effective contraception during treatment with ICLUSIG and for 3 weeks after the last dose.

ADVERSE REACTIONS

The most common (>20%) adverse reactions are rash and related conditions, arthralgia, abdominal pain, headache, constipation, dry skin, hypertension, fatigue, fluid retention and edema, pyrexia, nausea, pancreatitis/lipase elevation, hemorrhage, anemia, hepatic dysfunction and AOEs. The most common Grade 3 or 4 laboratory abnormalities (>20%) are platelet count decreased, neutrophil cell count decreased, and white blood cell decreased.

To report SUSPECTED ADVERSE REACTIONS, contact Takeda Pharmaceutical Co. Ltd. At 1-844-817-6468 or FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or www.fda.gov/medwatch.

 

DRUG INTERACTIONS

Strong CYP3A Inhibitors: Avoid coadministration or reduce ICLUSIG dose if coadministration cannot be avoided.

Strong CYP3A Inducers: Avoid coadministration.

 

USE IN SPECIFIC POPULATIONS

Females and Males of Reproductive Potential: Verify pregnancy status of females of reproductive potential prior to initiating ICLUSIG.

Ponatinib may impair fertility in females, and it is not known if these effects are reversible.

Lactation: Advise women not to breastfeed during treatment with ICLUSIG and for 6 days following last dose.

For more information about ICLUSIG, visit www.ICLUSIG.com. For the Prescribing Information including the Boxed Warning for arterial occlusion, venous thromboembolism, heart failure, and hepatoxicity, please visit https://www.iclusig.com/pdf/ICLUSIG-Prescribing-Information.pdf. For more information about ongoing research, please visit www.clinicaltrials.gov.

 

Takeda’s Commitment to Oncology

Our core R&D mission is to deliver novel medicines to patients with cancer worldwide through our commitment to science, breakthrough innovation and passion for improving the lives of patients. Whether it’s with our hematology therapies, our robust pipeline, or solid tumor medicines, we aim to stay both innovative and competitive to bring patients the treatments they need. For more information, visit www.takedaoncology.com.

 

About Takeda Pharmaceutical Company Limited 

Takeda Pharmaceutical Company Limited (TSE: 4502/NYSE: TAK) is a global, values-based, R&D-driven biopharmaceutical leader headquartered in Japan, committed to discover and deliver life-transforming treatments, guided by our commitment to patients, our people and the planet. Takeda focuses its R&D efforts on four therapeutic areas: Oncology, Rare Genetics and Hematology, Neuroscience, and Gastroenterology (GI). We also make targeted R&D investments in Plasma-Derived Therapies and Vaccines. We are focusing on developing highly innovative medicines that contribute to making a difference in people’s lives by advancing the frontier of new treatment options and leveraging our enhanced collaborative R&D engine and capabilities to create a robust, modality-diverse pipeline. Our employees are committed to improving quality of life for patients and to working with our partners in health care in approximately 80 countries. For more information, visit https://www.takeda.com.  

 

Media Contacts: 

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Media Outside Japan

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