Takeda Pharmaceutical Company Limited announced that ALUNBRIG™ (brigatinib) has received Accelerated Approval from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for the treatment of patients with anaplastic lymphoma kinase-positive (ALK+) metastatic non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) who have progressed on or are intolerant to crizotinib.
This indication is approved under Accelerated Approval based on tumor response rate and duration of response. Continued approval for this indication may be contingent upon verification and description of clinical benefit in a confirmatory trial. ALUNBRIG, which previously received Breakthrough Therapy Designation from the FDA, is a once-daily oral therapy that may be taken with or without food.
“In recent years, small molecule ALK inhibitors have revolutionized the treatment options for those with advanced ALK+ non-small cell lung cancer. Nevertheless, there is still a need for additional ALK inhibitors like brigatinib (ALUNBRIG), which have a manageable safety profile and may address mechanisms of clinical resistance to crizotinib, including progression in the central nervous system,” said D. Ross Camidge, M.D., Ph.D., director of thoracic oncology at the University of Colorado. “The ALTA trial showed that brigatinib (ALUNBRIG) was highly effective post-crizotinib with the majority of patients who received 180 mg once daily with a seven-day lead in at 90 mg once daily achieving an overall response and a median duration of response greater than one year. Importantly, the extent of activity among those with brain metastases was also notable.”
“For patients with ALK+ metastatic NSCLC who have progressed on or are intolerant to crizotinib, who are facing the uncertainty of disease progression and the potentially devastating impact of brain metastases, the approval of ALUNBRIG offers a new hope,” said Bonnie Addario, founder and chair of the Addario Lung Cancer Foundation (ALCF).
“The rapid development of ALUNBRIG is a tribute to the dedication of many research scientists and clinicians who carefully designed and developed this new medicine to address unmet medical needs in the ALK+ NSCLC patient population. Most importantly, we would like to thank the patients and families who participated in the clinical trials,” said Andy Plump, M.D., Ph.D., Takeda Chief Medical and Scientific Officer.
“Today’s FDA approval of ALUNBRIG is an important milestone in the treatment of patients with ALK+ metastatic NSCLC who have progressed on or are intolerant to crizotinib,” said Christophe Bianchi, M.D., President, Takeda Oncology. “Takeda is committed to the continued development of ALUNBRIG around the globe and to bringing this important therapy to more patients in need.”
About the ALTA Trial
The FDA approval of ALUNBRIG was primarily based on results from the pivotal Phase 2 ALTA (ALK in Lung Cancer Trial of AP26113) trial of brigatinib in adults. This ongoing, two-arm, open-label, multicenter trial enrolled 222 patients with locally advanced or metastatic ALK+ NSCLC who had progressed on crizotinib. Patients received either 90 mg of ALUNBRIG once daily (n=112) or 180 mg once daily following a seven-day lead-in of 90 mg once daily (n=110). The major efficacy outcome measure was confirmed overall response rate (ORR) according to Response Evaluation Criteria in Solid Tumors (RECIST v1.1) as evaluated by an Independent Review Committee (IRC). Additional efficacy outcome measures included Investigator-assessed ORR, duration of response (DOR), intracranial ORR, and intracranial DOR.
The recommended dosing regimen for ALUNBRIG is 90 mg orally once daily for the first 7 days. If 90 mg is tolerated during the first 7 days, increase the dose to 180 mg orally once daily.
With a median follow-up of 8 months (range 0.1 – 20.2), results demonstrated that of the patients who received the recommended dosing regimen (90→180 mg), 53 percent achieved a confirmed overall response (OR) as assessed by IRC and 54 percent as assessed by Investigator. At the recommended dosing regimen, the median duration of response was 13.8 months as assessed by IRC and 11.1 months by Investigator assessment. Additionally, at the recommended dosing regimen, 67 percent of patients with measurable brain metastases (n=18) achieved a confirmed intracranial OR by IRC assessment.
About ALK+ NSCLC
Non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) is the most common form of lung cancer, accounting for approximately 85 percent of the estimated 222,500 new cases of lung cancer diagnosed each year in the United States, according to the American Cancer Society. Genetic studies indicate that chromosomal rearrangements in anaplastic lymphoma kinase (ALK) are key drivers in a subset of NSCLC patients as well. Approximately two to eight percent of patients with NSCLC have a rearrangement in the ALK gene.
The central nervous system (CNS) is a frequent site for ALK+ NSCLC progression, with up to 70 percent of patients with ALK+ NSCLC who have been treated with a first-line ALK inhibitor facing brain metastases.
About Takeda
Takeda Pharmaceutical Company Limited is a global, research and development-driven pharmaceutical company committed to bringing better health and a brighter future to patients by translating science into life-changing medicines. Takeda focuses its R&D efforts on oncology, gastroenterology and central nervous system therapeutic areas plus vaccines. Takeda conducts R&D both internally and with partners to stay at the leading edge of innovation. New innovative products, especially in oncology and gastroenterology, as well as our presence in Emerging Markets, fuel the growth of Takeda. More than 30,000 Takeda employees are committed to improving quality of life for patients, working with our partners in health care in more than 70 countries. For more information, visit http://www.takeda.com/news.
Additional information about Takeda is available through its corporate website, www.takeda.com, and additional information about Takeda Oncology, the brand for the global oncology business unit of Takeda Pharmaceutical Company Limited, is available through its website, www.takedaoncology.com.
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