CALQUENCE Approved in the US for Adult Patients With Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia
Fatal and serious infections, including opportunistic infections, have occurred in patients with hematologic malignancies treated with CALQUENCE.
AstraZeneca today announced that the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved CALQUENCE® (acalabrutinib) for adult patients with chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) or small lymphocytic lymphoma (SLL). The US approval was granted under the FDA’s Real-Time Oncology Review and newly established Project Orbis programs.
The approval is based on positive results from the interim analyses of two Phase III clinical trials, ELEVATE-TN in patients with previously untreated CLL and ASCEND in patients with relapsed or refractory CLL. Together, the trials showed that CALQUENCE in combination with obinutuzumab or as a monotherapy significantly reduced the relative risk of disease progression or death versus the comparator arms in both 1st-line and relapsed or refractory CLL. Across both trials, the safety and tolerability of CALQUENCE were consistent with its established profile.
Dave Fredrickson, Executive Vice President, Oncology Business Unit said: “With over 20,000 new cases anticipated this year in the US alone, today’s approval of CALQUENCE provides new hope for patients with one of the most common types of adult leukemia, offering outstanding efficacy and a favorable tolerability profile. The chronic lymphocytic leukemia patient population is known to face multiple comorbidities, and tolerability is a critical factor in their treatment.”
Dr. Jeff Sharman, Director of Research at Willamette Valley Cancer Institute, Medical Director of Hematology Research for The US Oncology Network, and a lead author of the ELEVATE-TN trial, said: “Tolerability remains an issue in the current treatment landscape of chronic lymphocytic leukemia, which may require ongoing therapy for many years. In the ELEVATE-TN and ASCEND trials comparing CALQUENCE to commonly used treatment regimens, CALQUENCE demonstrated a clinically meaningful improvement in progression-free survival in patients across multiple settings, while maintaining its favorable tolerability and safety profile.”
The results of the interim analysis of the ELEVATE-TN trial will be presented at the upcoming American Society of Hematology congress.
The trial showed a statistically significant and clinically meaningful improvement in progression-free survival (PFS) for patients treated with either CALQUENCE in combination with obinutuzumab or CALQUENCE monotherapy versus chlorambucil chemotherapy plus obinutuzumab, a current standard-of-care combination used in the control arm.
In the CALQUENCE combination arm, risk of disease progression or death was reduced by 90% (HR 0.10; 95% CI, 0.06-0.17, p<0.0001) and in the monotherapy arm it was reduced by 80% (HR 0.20; 95% CI, 0.13-0.30, p<0.0001).
The median time to disease progression for patients treated with CALQUENCE in combination with obinutuzumab or as a monotherapy has not yet been reached vs. 22.6 months (95% CI, 20-28) for chlorambucil plus obinutuzumab.
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ELEVATE-TN safety overview (most common ARs*, ≥15%): |
||||||
|
Adverse reaction |
CALQUENCE plus obinutuzumab |
CALQUENCE monotherapy |
Chlorambucil plus obinutuzumab |
|||
|
Any |
Grade ≥3 |
Any |
Grade ≥3 |
Any |
Grade ≥3 |
|
|
Infection† |
69% |
22% |
65% |
14% |
46% |
13% |
|
Neutropenia† |
53% |
37% |
23% |
13% |
78% |
50% |
|
Anemia† |
52% |
12% |
53% |
10% |
54% |
14% |
|
Thrombocytopenia† |
51% |
12% |
32% |
3.4% |
61% |
16% |
|
Headache |
40% |
1.1% |
39% |
1.1% |
12% |
0 |
|
Diarrhea |
39% |
4.5% |
35% |
0.6% |
21% |
1.8% |
|
Musculoskeletal pain† |
37% |
2.2% |
32% |
1.1% |
16% |
2.4% |
|
Fatigue† |
34% |
2.2% |
23% |
1.1% |
24% |
1.2% |
|
Bruising† |
31% |
0 |
21% |
0 |
5% |
0 |
|
Rash† |
26% |
2.2% |
25% |
0.6% |
9% |
0.6% |
|
Arthralgia |
22% |
1.1% |
16% |
0.6% |
4.7% |
1.2% |
|
Dizziness |
20% |
0 |
12% |
0 |
7% |
0 |
|
Hemorrhage† |
20% |
1.7% |
20% |
1.7% |
6% |
0 |
|
Nausea |
20% |
0 |
22% |
0 |
31% |
0 |
|
Lymphocytosis† |
12% |
11% |
16% |
15% |
0.6% |
0.6% |
|
†Includes multiple ADR terms |
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In patients treated with the combination of CALQUENCE plus obinutuzumab, adverse reactions (ARs) led to treatment discontinuation in 11% of patients and a dose reduction of CALQUENCE in 7% of patients. In the monotherapy arm, ARs led to discontinuation in 10% and dose reduction in 4% of patients. In the control arm, ARs led to regimen discontinuation in 14% of patients with a dose reduction of chlorambucil in 28% of patients. There were no dose reductions for obinutuzumab.
In 1,029 patients with hematologic malignancies who were treated with CALQUENCE 100mg approximately every 12 hours across multiple clinical trials, where 88% received treatment for at least six months and 79% received treatment for at least one year, serious or Grade ≥3 infections occurred in 19%, and Grade 3 atrial fibrillation and flutter occurred in 1.1% of patients. In the same patient population, major hemorrhage occurred in 3.0% (serious or Grade ≥3 bleeding or any central nervous system bleeding), with fatal hemorrhage occurring in 0.1% of patients. Second primary malignancies (all grades) including skin cancers occurred in 12% of patients.
The US approval is among the first to be granted under Project Orbis, an initiative of the US FDA Oncology Center of Excellence, which provides a framework for concurrent submission and review of oncology medicines among international partners.The FDA, the Australian Therapeutic Goods Administration, and Health Canada collaborated on this review.
INDICATION AND USAGE
CALQUENCE is a Bruton tyrosine kinase (BTK) inhibitor indicated for the treatment of adult patients with mantle cell lymphoma (MCL) who have received at least one prior therapy.
This indication is approved under accelerated approval based on overall response rate. Continued approval for this indication may be contingent upon verification and description of clinical benefit in confirmatory trials.
CALQUENCE is indicated for the treatment of adult patients with chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) or small lymphocytic lymphoma (SLL).
IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION ABOUT CALQUENCE® (acalabrutinib) capsules
Serious and Opportunistic Infections
Fatal and serious infections, including opportunistic infections, have occurred in patients with hematologic malignancies treated with CALQUENCE.
Serious or Grade 3 or higher infections (bacterial, viral, or fungal) occurred in 19% of 1029 patients exposed to CALQUENCE in clinical trials, most often due to respiratory tract infections (11% of all patients, including pneumonia in 6%). These infections predominantly occurred in the absence of Grade 3 or 4 neutropenia, with neutropenic infection reported in 1.9% of all patients. Opportunistic infections in recipients of CALQUENCE have included, but are not limited to, hepatitis B virus reactivation, fungal pneumonia, Pneumocystis jiroveci pneumonia, Epstein-Barr virus reactivation, cytomegalovirus, and progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy (PML). Consider prophylaxis in patients who are at increased risk for opportunistic infections. Monitor patients for signs and symptoms of infection and treat promptly.
Hemorrhage
Fatal and serious hemorrhagic events have occurred in patients with hematologic malignancies treated with CALQUENCE. Major hemorrhage (serious or Grade 3 or higher bleeding or any central nervous system bleeding) occurred in 3.0% of patients, with fatal hemorrhage occurring in 0.1% of 1029 patients exposed to CALQUENCE in clinical trials. Bleeding events of any grade, excluding bruising and petechiae, occurred in 22% of patients.
Use of antithrombotic agents concomitantly with CALQUENCE may further increase the risk of hemorrhage. In clinical trials, major hemorrhage occurred in 2.7% of patients taking CALQUENCE without antithrombotic agents and 3.6% of patients taking CALQUENCE with antithrombotic agents. Consider the risks and benefits of antithrombotic agents when co-administered with CALQUENCE. Monitor patients for signs of bleeding.
Consider the benefit-risk of withholding CALQUENCE for 3-7 days pre- and post-surgery depending upon the type of surgery and the risk of bleeding.
Cytopenias
Grade 3 or 4 cytopenias, including neutropenia (23%), anemia (8%), thrombocytopenia (7%), and lymphopenia (7%), developed in patients with hematologic malignancies treated with CALQUENCE. Grade 4 neutropenia developed in 12% of patients. Monitor complete blood counts regularly during treatment. Interrupt treatment, reduce the dose, or discontinue treatment as warranted.
Second Primary Malignancies
Second primary malignancies, including skin cancers and other solid tumors, occurred in 12% of 1029 patients exposed to CALQUENCE in clinical trials. The most frequent second primary malignancy was skin cancer, reported in 6% of patients. Monitor patients for skin cancers and advise protection from sun exposure.
Atrial Fibrillation and Flutter
Grade 3 atrial fibrillation or flutter occurred in 1.1% of 1029 patients treated with CALQUENCE, with all grades of atrial fibrillation or flutter reported in 4.1% of all patients. The risk may be increased in patients with cardiac risk factors, hypertension, previous arrhythmias, and acute infection. Monitor for symptoms of arrhythmia (e.g., palpitations, dizziness, syncope, dyspnea) and manage as appropriate.
ADVERSE REACTIONS
The most common adverse reactions (≥ 20%) of any grade in patients with relapsed or refractory MCL were anemia,* thrombocytopenia,* headache (39%), neutropenia,* diarrhea (31%), fatigue (28%), myalgia (21%), and bruising (21%). The most common Grade ≥ 3 non-hematological adverse reaction (reported in at least 2% of patients) was diarrhea (3.2%).
*Treatment-emergent decreases (all grades) of hemoglobin (46%), platelets (44%), and neutrophils (36%) were based on laboratory measurements and adverse reactions.
Dose reductions or discontinuations due to any adverse reaction were reported in 1.6% and 6.5% of patients, respectively. Increases in creatinine 1.5 to 3 times the upper limit of normal occurred in 4.8% of patients.
The most common adverse reactions (≥ 30%) of any grade in patients with CLL were anemia,* neutropenia,* thrombocytopenia,* headache, upper respiratory tract infection, and diarrhea.
*Treatment-emergent decreases (all grades) of hemoglobin, platelets, and neutrophils were based on laboratory measurements and adverse reactions.
In patients with previously untreated CLL exposed to CALQUENCE, fatal adverse reactions that occurred in the absence of disease progression and with onset within 30 days of the last study treatment were reported in 2% for each treatment arm, most often from infection. Serious adverse reactions were reported in 39% of patients in the CALQUENCE plus obinutuzumab arm and 32% in the CALQUENCE monotherapy arm, most often due to events of pneumonia (7% and 2.8%, respectively).
Adverse reactions led to CALQUENCE dose reduction in 7% and 4% of patients in the CALQUENCE plus obinutuzumab arm (N=178) and CALQUENCE monotherapy arm (N=179), respectively. Adverse events led to discontinuation in 11% and 10% of patients, respectively. Increases in creatinine 1.5 to 3 times the upper limit of normal occurred in 3.9% and 2.8% of patients in the CALQUENCE combination arm and monotherapy arm, respectively.
In patients with relapsed/refractory CLL exposed to CALQUENCE, serious adverse reactions occurred in 29% of patients. Serious adverse reactions in > 5% of patients who received CALQUENCE included lower respiratory tract infection (6%). Fatal adverse reactions within 30 days of the last dose of CALQUENCE occurred in 2.6% of patients, including from second primary malignancies and infection.
Adverse reactions led to CALQUENCE dose reduction in 3.9% of patients (N=154), dose interruptions in 34% of patients, most often due to respiratory tract infections followed by neutropenia, and discontinuation in 10% of patients, most frequently due to second primary malignancies followed by infection. Increases in creatinine 1.5 to 3 times the upper limit of normal occurred in 1.3% of patients who received CALQUENCE.
DRUG INTERACTIONS
Strong CYP3A Inhibitors: Avoid co-administration with a strong CYP3A inhibitor. If a strong CYP3A inhibitor will be used short-term, interrupt CALQUENCE.
Moderate CYP3A Inhibitors: When CALQUENCE is co-administered with a moderate CYP3A inhibitor, reduce CALQUENCE dose to 100 mg once daily.
Strong CYP3A Inducers: Avoid co-administration with a strong CYP3A inducer. If a strong CYP3A inducer cannot be avoided, increase the CALQUENCE dose to 200 mg approximately every 12 hours.
Gastric Acid Reducing Agents: If treatment with a gastric acid reducing agent is required, consider using an H2-receptor antagonist or an antacid. Take CALQUENCE 2 hours before taking an H2-receptor antagonist. Separate dosing with an antacid by at least 2 hours.
Avoid co-administration with proton pump inhibitors. Due to the long-lasting effect of proton pump inhibitors, separation of doses may not eliminate the interaction with CALQUENCE.
SPECIFIC POPULATIONS
Based on findings in animals, CALQUENCE may cause fetal harm and dystocia when administered to a pregnant woman. There are no available data in pregnant women to inform the drug-associated risk. Advise pregnant women of the potential risk to a fetus.
Pregnancy testing is recommended for females of reproductive potential prior to initiating CALQUENCE therapy. Advise female patients of reproductive potential to use effective contraception during treatment with CALQUENCE and for at least 1 week following the last dose of CALQUENCE.
It is not known if CALQUENCE is present in human milk. Advise lactating women not to breastfeed while taking CALQUENCE and for at least 2 weeks after the final dose.
Avoid administration of CALQUENCE in patients with severe hepatic impairment. Dose modifications are not required for patients with mild or moderate hepatic impairment.
Please see full Prescribing Information including Patient Information.
– ENDS –
NOTES TO EDITORS
About CALQUENCE
In the US, CALQUENCE® (acalabrutinib) is indicated for the treatment of adult patients with chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) or small lymphocytic lymphoma (SLL). In the US, Canada, Brazil, Qatar, the United Arab Emirates, Mexico, Argentina, Singapore, Chile, and recently India, CALQUENCE is indicated for adult patients with mantle cell lymphoma (MCL) who have received at least one prior therapy. Approved under accelerated review in the US, continued approval for previously-treated MCL is contingent upon verification and confirmation of clinical benefit in confirmatory trials.
CALQUENCE is a next-generation selective inhibitor of Bruton tyrosine kinase (BTK). CALQUENCE binds covalently to BTK, thereby inhibiting its activity. In B-cells, BTK signaling results in activation of pathways necessary for B-cell proliferation, trafficking, chemotaxis, and adhesion.
As part of an extensive clinical development program, AstraZeneca and Acerta Pharma are currently evaluating CALQUENCE in 23 company-sponsored clinical trials. CALQUENCE is being developed for the treatment of multiple B-cell blood cancers including CLL, MCL, diffuse large B-cell lymphoma, Waldenstrom macroglobulinemia, follicular lymphoma, and other hematologic malignancies. Several Phase III clinical trials in CLL are ongoing, including ASCEND, ELEVATE-TN, ELEVATE-RR (ACE-CL-006) evaluating acalabrutinib vs. ibrutinib in patients with previously-treated high-risk CLL, and ACE-CL-311 evaluating acalabrutinib in combination with venetoclax and with/without obinutuzumab vs. chemoimmunotherapy in patients with previously-untreated CLL without 17p deletion or TP53 mutation.
About ELEVATE-TN
ELEVATE-TN (ACE-CL-007) is a randomized, multicenter, open-label Phase III trial evaluating the safety and efficacy of CALQUENCE in combination with obinutuzumab, a CD20 monoclonal antibody, or CALQUENCE alone vs. chlorambucil, a chemotherapy, in combination with obinutuzumab in previously-untreated patients with CLL. In the trial, 535 patients were randomized (1:1:1) into three arms. Patients in the first arm received chlorambucil in combination with obinutuzumab. Patients in the second arm received CALQUENCE (100mg twice daily until disease progression or unacceptable toxicity) in combination with obinutuzumab. Patients in the third arm received CALQUENCE monotherapy (100mg twice daily until disease progression or unacceptable toxicity).
The primary endpoint is PFS in the CALQUENCE and obinutuzumab arm compared to the chlorambucil and obinutuzumab arm, assessed by an independent review committee (IRC), and a key secondary endpoint is IRC-assessed PFS in the CALQUENCE monotherapy arm compared to the chlorambucil and obinutuzumab arm. Other secondary endpoints include objective response rate, time to next treatment and overall survival.
About ASCEND
ASCEND (ACE-CL-309) is a global, randomized, multicenter, open-label Phase III trial evaluating the efficacy of CALQUENCE in previously treated patients with CLL. In the trial, 310 patients were randomized (1:1) into two arms. Patients in the first arm received CALQUENCE monotherapy (100mg twice daily until disease progression or unacceptable toxicity). Patients in the second arm received investigator’s choice of either rituximab, a CD20 monoclonal antibody, in combination with idelalisib, a PI3K inhibitor, or rituximab in combination with bendamustine, a chemotherapy.
The primary endpoint is PFS assessed by an IRC, and key secondary endpoints include physician-assessed PFS, IRC- and physician-assessed overall response rate and duration of response, as well as overall survival, patient-reported outcomes and time to next treatment.
About CLL
Chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) is one of the most common types of leukemia in adults, with an estimated 105,000 new cases globally and 20,720 new cases in the US in 2019, and the number of people living with CLL is expected to grow with improved treatment as patients live longer with disease. In CLL, too many blood stem cells in the bone marrow become abnormal lymphocytes and these abnormal cells have difficulty fighting infections. As the number of abnormal cells grows there is less room for healthy white blood cells, red blood cells and platelets. This could result in anemia, infection and bleeding. B-cell receptor signaling through BTK is one of the essential growth pathways for CLL.
About AstraZeneca in hematology
Leveraging its strength in oncology, AstraZeneca has established hematology as one of four key oncology disease areas of focus. The Company’s hematology franchise includes two US FDA-approved medicines and a robust global development program for a broad portfolio of potential blood cancer treatments. Acerta Pharma serves as AstraZeneca’s hematology research and development arm. AstraZeneca partners with like-minded science-led companies to advance the discovery and development of therapies to address unmet need.
About AstraZeneca in oncology
AstraZeneca has a deep-rooted heritage in oncology and offers a quickly-growing portfolio of new medicines that has the potential to transform patients’ lives and the Company’s future. With at least six new medicines to be launched between 2014 and 2020, and a broad pipeline of small molecules and biologics in development, we are committed to advance oncology as a key growth driver for AstraZeneca focused on lung, ovarian, breast and blood cancers. In addition to AstraZeneca’s main capabilities, the Company is actively pursuing innovative partnerships and investments that accelerate the delivery of our strategy as illustrated by our investment in Acerta Pharma in hematology.
By harnessing the power of four scientific platforms – Immuno-Oncology, Tumor Drivers and Resistance, DNA Damage Response and Antibody Drug Conjugates – and by championing the development of personalized combinations, AstraZeneca has the vision to redefine cancer treatment and one day eliminate cancer as a cause of death.
About AstraZeneca
AstraZeneca is a global, science-led biopharmaceutical company that focuses on the discovery, development and commercialization of prescription medicines, primarily for the treatment of diseases in three therapy areas - Oncology, Cardiovascular, Renal & Metabolism and Respiratory. AstraZeneca operates in over 100 countries and its innovative medicines are used by millions of patients worldwide. Please visit www.astrazeneca-us.com and follow the Company on Twitter @AstraZenecaUS.
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