Category: 3. Business

  • mPFS 11.14 Months (HR=0.6, P

    • Ivonescimab plus chemotherapy demonstrated a median PFS of 11.14 months, PFS HR=0.60, P < 0.0001.
    • The absolute difference in median PFS between the two groups was 4.24 months (ΔPFS = 4.24 months), indicating significantly prolonged progression-free survival with ivonescimab combination therapy.
    • Significant benefits were consistently observed with ivonescimab plus chemotherapy versus tislelizumab combination irrespective of PD-L1 expression.
    • Ivonescimab combination therapy showed significant benefit over tislelizumab regimen in patients with or without liver metastases and with or without brain metastases.
    • In the HARMONi-6 study, 92.3% of enrolled patients had stage IV disease, and approximately 63% had central-type squamous cell carcinoma.
    • Ivonescimab demonstrated a favorable overall safety profile with no new safety signals identified.
    • Overall survival (OS) data were not yet mature at the time of this analysis.

    HONG KONG, Oct. 19, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Akeso (9926.HK) announced the groundbreaking results of the registrational Phase III clinical study (AK112-306/HARMONi-6) evaluating ivonescimab (PD-1/VEGF bispecific antibody), a globally first-in-class bispecific antibody developed by Akeso, in combination with chemotherapy versus tislelizumab combined with chemotherapy as first-line treatment for advanced squamous non-small cell lung cancer (sq-NSCLC). The study results were presented by Professor Lu Shun, Chief of the Shanghai Lung Cancer Center at Shanghai Chest Hospital and Professor of Medicine at Shanghai Jiaotong University, at the 2025 ESMO Presidential Symposium, and the results of the HARMONi-6 clinical trial were simultaneously published in The Lancet.

    The HARMONi-6 study met its primary endpoint of progression-free survival (PFS), demonstrating a decisive and strong positive outcome with both statistically significant and clinically meaningful benefits. Ivonescimab plus chemotherapy substantially prolonged sq-NSCLC patient’s progression-free survival compared to tislelizumab plus chemotherapy:

    • The progression-free survival (PFS) hazard ratio (HR) was 0.60 (p < 0.0001) for ivonescimab plus chemotherapy versus tislelizumab plus chemotherapy. The median PFS was 11.14 months in the ivonescimab combination group versus 6.90 months in the tislelizumab combination group, representing an absolute improvement of ΔPFS = 4.24 months.
    • Consistent clinical benefits were observed across all PD-L1 expression subgroups. In the PD-L1 negative (TPS <1%) population, the PFS HR was 0.55 for ivonescimab plus chemotherapy versus tislelizumab plus chemotherapy. In the PD-L1 positive (TPS ≥1%) population, the PFS HR was 0.66 for ivonescimab plus chemotherapy versus tislelizumab plus chemotherapy.
    • Regardless of liver or brain metastasis, ivonescimab combined with chemotherapy showed significant benefit over the tislelizumab-based regimen. Among patients with liver metastases, the PFS HR was 0.53; among those without liver metastases, the PFS HR was 0.64. For patients with ≥3 baseline metastatic sites, the PFS HR was 0.46, and for those with <3 baseline metastatic sites, the PFS HR was 0.64.

    The ivonescimab group demonstrated a favorable overall safety profile with no new safety signals identified. The incidence of treatment-related serious adverse reactions and grade 3 or higher bleeding events was comparable to the tislelizumab regimen group. The most common adverse reactions were chemotherapy-associated myelosuppression.

    The HARMONi-6 study enrolled 532 subjects, with balanced baseline characteristics between the two groups. 92.3% of subjects had clinical stage IV disease. The squamous carcinoma characteristics of enrolled patients reflected real-world clinical presentations, with central-type squamous carcinoma accounting for approximately 63% of the total patients (66.9% in the ivonescimab group vs. 59.4% in the tislelizumab group), consistent with real-world patient distribution. PD-L1 expression levels also reflected those seen in real-world clinical settings.

    Approved in 2024, ivonescimab has demonstrated groundbreaking clinical value across dozens of clinical studies and real-world treatments involving over 40,000 patients. In the field of tumor immunotherapy, whether compared with PD-1 monotherapy or PD-1 combination chemotherapy (the current standard of care for many cancers), as well as in the field of anti-angiogenesis therapy compared to VEGF-targeted regimens, ivonescimab has demonstrated robust and superior clinical efficacy, highlighting its exceptional capacity to drive iterative advances in cancer treatment.

    The encouraging results from the HARMONi-6 study have led to the review of a supplemental New Drug Application (sNDA) in China for ivonescimab in combination with chemotherapy as a first-line treatment for advanced squamous NSCLC. Meanwhile, the global enrollment for the international, multicenter Phase III HARMONi-3 trial, assessing ivonescimab as a first-line treatment for both squamous (sq-NSCLC) and non-squamous (nsq-NSCLC) non-small cell lung cancer is ongoing. 

    Forward-Looking Statement of Akeso, Inc.
    This announcement by Akeso, Inc. (9926.HK, “Akeso”) contains “forward-looking statements”. These statements reflect the current beliefs and expectations of Akeso’s management and are subject to significant risks and uncertainties. These statements are not intended to form the basis of any investment decision or any decision to purchase securities of Akeso. There can be no assurance that the drug candidate(s) indicated in this announcement or Akeso’s other pipeline candidates will obtain the required regulatory approvals or achieve commercial success. If underlying assumptions prove inaccurate or risks or uncertainties materialize, actual results may differ materially from those set forth in the forward-looking statements.

    Risks and uncertainties include but are not limited to, general industry conditions and competition; general economic factors, including interest rate and currency exchange rate fluctuations; the impact of pharmaceutical industry regulation and health care legislation in P.R.China, the United States and internationally; global trends toward health care cost containment; technological advances, new products and patents attained by competitors; challenges inherent in new product development, including obtaining regulatory approval; Akeso’s ability to accurately predict future market conditions; manufacturing difficulties or delays; financial instability of international economies and sovereign risk; dependence on the effectiveness of the Akeso’s patents and other protections for innovative products; and the exposure to litigation, including patent litigation, and/or regulatory actions.

    Akeso does not undertake any obligation to publicly revise these forward-looking statements to reflect events or circumstances after the date hereof, except as required by law.

    About Akeso
    Akeso (HKEX: 9926.HK) is a leading biopharmaceutical company committed to the research, development, manufacturing and commercialization of the world’s first or best-in-class innovative biological medicines. Founded in 2012, the company has created a unique integrated R&D innovation system with the comprehensive end-to-end drug development platform (ACE Platform) and bi-specific antibody drug development technology (Tetrabody) as the core, a GMP-compliant manufacturing system and a commercialization system with an advanced operation mode, and has gradually developed into a globally competitive biopharmaceutical company focused on innovative solutions. With fully integrated multi-functional platform, Akeso is internally working on a robust pipeline of over 50 innovative assets in the fields of cancer, autoimmune disease, inflammation, metabolic disease and other major diseases. Among them, 24 candidates have entered clinical trials (including 15 bispecific/multispecific antibodies and bispecific ADCs. Additionally, 7 new drugs are commercially available. Through efficient and breakthrough R&D innovation, Akeso always integrates superior global resources, develops the first-in-class and best-in-class new drugs, provides affordable therapeutic antibodies for patients worldwide, and continuously creates more commercial and social values to become a global leading biopharmaceutical enterprise.

    For more information, please visit https://www.akesobio.com/en/about-us/corporate-profile/ and follow us on Linkedin.

    SOURCE Akeso, Inc.

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  • Smart jab can shrink head and neck cancer tumours within six weeks, trial finds | Cancer research

    Smart jab can shrink head and neck cancer tumours within six weeks, trial finds | Cancer research

    Doctors have hailed “incredibly encouraging” trial results that show a triple-action smart jab can shrink tumours in head and neck cancer patients within six weeks.

    Head and neck cancer is the world’s sixth most common form of the disease. If it spreads or comes back after standard treatment, patients may be offered immunotherapy and platinum chemotherapy. But if this fails, there is often little else doctors can do.

    Research showed a drug called amivantamab, given as an injection, can shrink tumours in patients with recurrent or metastatic cancer who had tried immunotherapy and chemotherapy. Details were presented at the European Society for Medical Oncology conference in Berlin.

    Prof Kevin Harrington, a professor of biological cancer therapies at the Institute of Cancer Research in London, and consultant oncologist at the Royal Marsden NHS foundation trust, said: “To see this level of benefit for patients who have endured numerous treatments is incredibly encouraging.

    “This could represent a real shift in how we treat head and neck cancer – not just in terms of effectiveness, but also in how we deliver care.”

    He added: “This is the first time we’ve tested this kind of triple-action therapy for head and neck cancer patients whose disease has returned after treatment. Amivantamab is a smart drug that not only blocks two key cancer pathways but also helps the immune system do its job.

    “Unlike many cancer treatments that require hours in a hospital chair, amivantamab is given as a simple injection under the skin. This makes it faster, more convenient, and potentially easier to deliver in outpatient clinics – or even at home in the future.”

    The Orig-AMI 4 trial, funded by the pharmaceuticals company Janssen, involved patients from 11 countries, including the UK. Each had recurrent or metastatic head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) – a hard-to-treat form that often returns after standard therapies.

    One group of 86 patients in the study, who had received immunotherapy and chemotherapy, were given amivantamab. Early results show 76% of this group saw their tumours shrink or stop growing.

    Responses were seen within six weeks on average and treatment was generally well tolerated. Most side-effects were mild to moderate. Average progression-free survival of patients receiving amivantamab on its own was 6.8 months.

    Amivantamab is a drug that targets cancer in three ways. It blocks both EGFR (epidermal growth factor receptor), a protein that helps tumours grow, and MET, a pathway that cancer cells often use to escape treatment. It also helps activate the immune system to attack the tumour.

    Carl Walsh has tongue cancer and joined the trial in July after chemotherapy and immunotherapy failed. “I’m now on my seventh cycle of treatment. It’s working well so far and I’m very happy with the progress,” the 59-year-old from Birmingham said.

    “Before starting the trial, I couldn’t talk properly and eating was difficult but the swelling has gone down a lot, and I’m not in the same amount of pain I used to be in. Sometimes I even forget that I have cancer.”

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  • 212Pb-DOTAMTATE Shows Impressive Antitumor Activity in Previously Treated GEP-NETS | Targeted Oncology

    212Pb-DOTAMTATE Shows Impressive Antitumor Activity in Previously Treated GEP-NETS | Targeted Oncology

    212Pb-DOTAMTATE (AlphaMedix) showed clinically meaningful antitumor activity with sustained and durable responses along with a manageable safety profile in patients with peptide receptor radionuclide therapy (PRRT)-exposed, somatostatin receptor (SSTR)-positive, unresectable or metastatic gastroenteropancreatic neuroendocrine tumors (GEP-NETs), according to results from the ALPHAMEDIX-02 trial (NCT05153772).1

    Per investigator review, the objective response rate (ORR) was 34.6% (9/26 patients), consisting of all partial responses. None of the responders had progressed at the time of the data cutoff. Sixteen patients (61.5%) had stable disease for a disease control rate of 96.2% (95% CI, 80.4%-99.9%). There was 1 patient with progressive disease. The ORR per blinded independent central review was 19.2% and the disease control rate was 100%.

    The investigator-assessed 18-month progression-free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS) rates were 82.6% (59.0-93.3) and 85.1% (58.5%-95.2%), respectively. The PFS per BICR was 88.0% (95% CI, 67.3%-96.0%).

    212Pb-DOTAMTATE was determined by investigators to have an acceptable side effect profile, with the majority of treatment-emergent adverse events (TEAEs) being grade 1 or 2.

    “The pivotal phase 2 ALPHAMEDIX-02 study presents a favorable benefit/risk profile of 212Pb-based targeted alpha therapy in radioligand therapy (RLT)-exposed patients with advanced GEP-NETS where few effective treatment options are available,” said lead study author Jonathan Strosberg, MD,a professor and leader of the Neuroendocrine Tumor Division and the Department of Gastrointestinal Oncology Research Program at Moffitt Cancer Center.

    Study Design and Rationale of ALPHAMEDIX-02

    “Effective treatment options are limited for patients with GEP-NETs whose disease progresses after PRRT with beta-emitting 177Lu-labelled somatostatin analogs (SSA),” said Strosberg.

    Accordingly, Strosberg et al explored the next-generation SSTR-targeted RLT 212Pb-DOTAMTATE in this patient population. 212Pb-DOTAMTATE “utilizes the high-energy and shorter-range alpha emission, which leads to highly effective dsDNA breakage and may result in more targeted oncologic effects,” explained Strosberg.

    Overall, the open-label, multicenter, phase 2 ALPHAMEDIX-02 study explored 212Pb-DOTAMTATE in patients with both PRRT-naïve (cohort 1) and PRRT-exposed (cohort 2) metastatic GEP-NETs that was histologically confirmed, had positive SSA imaging, and had at least 1 site of measurable disease.

    Previously reported data for cohort 1 showed that 212Pb-DOTAMTATE achieved an ORR of 54.3% and a manageable safety profile in PRRT-naïve patients. Results for PRRT-exposed patients (cohort 2) were shared by Strosberg at ESMO.

    Cohort 2 comprised 26 PRRT-exposed patients who had progressive disease following treated with up to 4 doses of 177Lu-SSA. Patients had received their last 177Lu-SSA dose at least 6 months before the trial. All patients received 212Pb-DOTAMTATE at 67.6 μCi/kg every 8 weeks for up to 4 cycles. The primary end point was ORR (RECIST1.1) and safety. Secondary outcome measures included progression free survival and overall survival.

    What Was the Safety Profile of 212Pb-DOTAMTATE in AMEDIX-02

    “212Pb-DOTAMTATE demonstrated an acceptable side effect profile, where most (57.7%) treatment-emergent adverse events (TEAEs) were grade 1 or 2, allowing the majority (84.6%) of patients to complete all 4 doses and 0 TEAEs leading to treatment discontinuation,” said Strosberg.

    The most common grade 1/2 TEAEs were alopecia (84.6%), fatigue (76.9%), nausea (69.2%), diarrhea (38.5%), dysphagia (34.6%), vomiting (30.8%), decreased appetite (30.8%), abdominal pain (26.9%), and lymphopenia (23.1%).

    Eleven patients (42.3%) experienced grade ≥3 TEAEs. These included lymphopenia (n = 4), dysphagia (n = 3), vomiting (n = 2), deceased appetite (n = 1), and fatigue (n = 1). Five patients had treatment-emergent serious adverse events and there were no TEAE-related patient deaths.

    Specifically focusing on dysphagia, Strosberg explained that the condition emerged as a chronic toxicity which was “kind of a surprising side effect––it’s not something that we anticipated when we started this trial.” He added, “Manometry may demonstrate esophageal dysmotility in patients with dysphagia. Botox injection to the lower esophageal sphincter provides relief in many cases and some patients have required minimally-invasive surgery.”

    What Were Patient Characteristics in AMEDIX-02?

    The mean patient age was 61.8 years and the median time since diagnosis was 7.2 years (range, 2.8-18.8). Over three-fourths of patients had grade 1 or 2 disease. The primary tumor sites were the pancreas and small intestine at 11 patients each. All patients had prior RLT, 96.2% had prior SSAs, and 88.5% had surgical resection prior to enrollment. Further, 15 patients had received chemotherapy, 15 had received TKIs, 7 had embolization, and 5 had received EBRT.

    What Are the Next Steps for 212Pb-DOTAMTATE?

    In a press release reporting these results, Christopher Corsico, MD, Global Head of Development at Sanofi, which codevelops 212Pb-DOTAMTATE with Orano Med, stated, “The promising ALPHAMEDIX-02 results represent a significant step forward, reinforcing the potential of targeted alpha therapy to deliver precise treatment for GEP-NETs.”2

    Corsico added, “These data, demonstrating clinically meaningful activity and a manageable safety profile, underscore our unrelenting commitment to developing innovative therapies for patients with difficult-to-treat cancers. We look forward to advancing [212Pb-DOTAMTATE] and working with Orano Med and regulators to bring this important treatment to the GEP-NET community as soon as possible.”

    References

    1. Strosberg JR, Naqvi S, Cohn A, et al. Efficacy and safety of targeted alpha therapy 212Pb-DOTAMTATE in patients with unresectable or metastatic gastroenteropancreatic neuroendocrine tumors (GEP-NETs) previously treated with peptide receptor radionuclide therapy (PRRT): Results of a phase II study. Presented at: 2025 ESMO Congress; October 17-21, 2025; Berlin, Germany. Abstract 1032O.
    2. AlphaMedixTM (212Pb-DOTAMTATE) achieved all primary efficacy endpoints in phase 2 study, demonstrating clinically meaningful benefits in patients with gastroenteropancreatic neuroendocrine tumors. Posted online October 8, 2025. Accessed October 19, 2025. https://www.sanofi.com/en/media-room/press-releases/2025/2025-10-08-05-00-00-3163053

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  • Capivasertib Combo Extends rPFS in PTEN-Deficient HSPC | Targeted Oncology

    Capivasertib Combo Extends rPFS in PTEN-Deficient HSPC | Targeted Oncology

    Findings from the CAPItello-281 trial (NCT04493853) presented at the 2025 European Society for Medical Oncology (ESMO) Congress showed that the combination of the oral AKT inhibitor capivasertib (Truqap) plus abiraterone acetate, prednisone, and androgen deprivation therapy (ADT) extended radiographic progression-free survival (rPFS) by 7.5 months compared with abiraterone acetate, prednisone, ADT, and placebo in patients with PTEN-deficient de novo metastatic hormone-sensitive prostate cancer (HSPC).1

    After a median follow-up of 18.4 months, the median rPFS with the addition of capivasertib was 33.2 months (95% CI, 25.9–44.2) compared with 25.7 months (95% CI, 22.0–29.9) for placebo (HR, 0.81; 95% CI, 0.66–0.98; P = .034). Median overall survival (OS) was not yet reached at the time of the analysis for either arm. There had been 267 events at the time of the assessment, with 129 in the capivasertib arm and 138 in the placebo group (HR, 0.90; 95% CI, 0.71–1.15; P = .401).

    “The primary end point was met, showing a statistically significant rPFS benefit with the combination of capivasertib and abiraterone, with consistent benefits observed across clinical end points,” lead investigator Karim Fizazi, MD, PhD, a medical oncologist at Institut Gustave Roussy and Centre Oscar Lambret, said during a presentation of the results. “The rPFS in the control arm was only 25.7 months, highlighting the poor prognosis of a PTEN population.”

    In the CAPItello-281 trial, 1012 patients were treated with abiraterone acetate at 1000 mg with prednisone at 5 mg daily plus ADT. Patients were randomly selected to receive capivasertib at 400 mg twice daily for 4 days on and 3 days off (n = 507) or a matched placebo (n = 505). PTEN deficiency was defined as more than 90% of malignant cells with no specific cytoplasmic staining by IHC. Of those screened, approximately 25% matched these requirements.

    The primary end point of the study was investigator-assessed rPFS. Secondary end points included overall survival (OS). The analysis presented at ESMO was the final analysis for rPFS. A final OS analysis is still planned.

    The baseline characteristics were similar between groups. In the capivasertib and placebo arms, respectively, the median ages were 67 and 68 years. The total Gleason score was 8 or more for 78.5% and 79% of patients and the disease risk was high for 61.3% and 65.9% of those in the capivasertib and placebo groups, respectively. The primary location of disease metastases was the bone for 91.1% and 92.5% in the investigational and control arms, respectively. Nearly two-thirds of patients had an ECOG performance score of 0 with the remainder having a score of 1. Nearly three-fourths of patients had high volume disease.

    “Consistent with the poor prognosis of this PTEN-deficient prostate cancer population, most patients had high-risk, high-volume, high Gleason score disease,” said Fizazi.

    In prespecified subgroup analyses, similar improvements in rPFS were seen with the addition of capivasertib, although none passed the bar for statistical significance. In those with high-volume disease with visceral metastases, the hazard ratio was 0.77 favoring the capivasertib arm (95% CI, 0.52–1.14) and in those with a Gleason score of 8 or more the hazard ratio was 0.82 (95% CI, 0.65–1.02). In those with a score lower than 8, the hazard ratio was 1.06 (95% CI, 0.66–1.69).

    The time to next treatment was 37.0 months with capivasertib compared with 28.5 months with placebo (95% CI, 0.75–1.11). The median symptomatic skeletal event-free survival was 42.5 months with capivasertib compared with 37.3 months for placebo. Events for this end point included pathological fracture, spinal cord compression, use of radiation, surgical intervention, and death. There were 150 of these events in the capivasertib group and 176 in the placebo group (HR, 0.82; 95% CI, 0.66–1.02; P = .079).

    “Roughly half of patients are still on drug and another analysis of overall survival is planned at another time cutoff,” Fizazi said. “There was a numerical improvement of 5.2 months prolongation in event-free survival in the capivasertib arm.”

    The time to castration resistance was 29.5 months in the capivasertib group and 22.0 months for placebo (HR, 0.77; 95% CI, 0.63–0.94). For this study, Fizazi noted, castration resistance was defined as radiographic disease progression, PSA progression, and development of a skeletal event. The median time to PSA progression was not calculable at the time of the analysis, with 60 events recorded in the capivasertib arm compared with 82 in the placebo group (HR, 0.73; 95% CI, 0.52-1.01). Pain progression was still too early to measure, as too few events had occurred.

    “Interestingly, the Kaplan-Meier curves for time to PSA progression defined by PCWG3 are much higher than those for time to castration resistance, indicating that many patients with PTEN loss tend to first experience a detrimental clinical event, such as an imaging-based progression or bone mobility, prior to a PSA rise of greater than 25%,” said Fizazi.

    Additional analyses were completed looking at different PTEN expression levels, following the suggestion of an impact from other studies looking at AKT inhibitors. Of those with PTEN loss on 95% of cells or more, the median rPFS was 33.2 months with capivasertib and 22.7 months with placebo (HR, 0.75; 95% CI, 0.60-0.94). When PTEN loss was 99% or more, the median rPFS was 34.1 months with capivasertib vs 22.4 months for placebo (HR, 0.71; 95% CI, 0.52-0.97). When there was 100% PTEN loss, the median rPFS was 34.1 months compared with 22.1 months for capivasertib and placebo, respectively (HR, 0.68; 95% CI, 0.48–0.96).

    “In the capivasertib arm, we see strongly consistent rPFS irrespective of the degree of PTEN deficiency; however, with increasing PTEN deficiency there is worsening prognosis in the control arm,” said Fizazi. “The same phenomenon of increasing treatment effect was also seen for overall survival.” For those with 100% PTEN loss, the early hazard ratio for OS was 0.77 (95% CI, 0.51–1.14).

    The increase in treatment benefit was also seen across all secondary end points, when assessing higher levels of PTEN loss. At 100% PTEN loss, the hazard ratio for symptomatic skeletal event-free survival was 0.70 favoring capivasertib (95% CI, 0.48–1.01). For time to castration resistance the hazard ratio was 0.63 (95% CI, 0.45–0.89) and for time to PSA progression it was 0.55 (95% CI, 0.29–1.01). “It was exactly the same trend,” Fizazi said.

    A grade 3 or higher adverse event (AE) was experienced by 67% of patients treated with capivasertib compared with for 40.4% of those in the placebo arm. A serious AE was experienced by 42.5% of those in the capivasertib group compared with for 26% of patients in the placebo arm. There was 36 AEs leading to death in the investigational arm compared with 26 in the placebo group.

    Adverse events led to discontinuation of capivasertib or placebo for 18.3% and 4.8% of patients, respectively. For capivasertib and placebo, respectively, dose interruptions were required for 62.8% and 26.8% of patients and dose reductions were needed for 29% and 3.6% of patients. An AE led to discontinuation of abiraterone acetate for 9.5% and 5.4% of patients in the investigational and control arms, respectively.

    The most common AEs in the capivasertib arm and placebo group, respectively, were diarrhea (51.9% vs 8.0%), hyperglycemia (38% vs 12.9%), rash (35.4% vs 7%), anemia (23.9% vs 12.7%), and hypokalemia (22.1% vs 12.7%). “Adverse events typical of abiraterone, such as hypertension, hypokalemia, and transaminase increase, were even between arms,” said Fizazi.

    In early 2025,2 another study exploring capivasertib in prostate cancer was halted following an interim analysis that showed a potential lack of efficacy. This study, CAPItello-280 (NCT05348577), was exploring capivasertib in combination with docetaxel and ADT.

    Outside of prostate cancer, capivasertib has gained FDA approval in combination with fulvestrant (Faslodex) for the treatment of patients with hormone receptor–positive, HER2-negative, locally advanced or metastatic breast cancer harboring 1 or more PIK3CA, AKT1, or PTEN alterations following progression on at least 1 endocrine-based regimen in the metastatic setting or recurrence on or within 12 months of completing adjuvant therapy.3

    REFERENCES:
    1. Fizazi K, Clarke NW, De Santis M, et al. A phase III study of capivasertib (capi) + abiraterone (abi) vs placebo (pbo) + abi in patients (pts) with PTEN deficient de novo metastatic hormone-sensitive prostate cancer (mHSPC): CAPItello-281. Presented at: 2025 ESMO Congress; October 17-21, 2025; Berlin, Germany. Abstract 2383O.
    2. Update on CAPItello-280 phase III trial of Truqap in metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer. News release. AstraZeneca. April 29, 2025. Accessed October 19, 2025. https://tinyurl.com/38bmdvp9
    3. FDA approves capivasertib with fulvestrant for breast cancer. FDA. November 16, 2023. Accessed May 1, 2025. https://tinyurl.com/mt5h932t

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  • Novartis' Pluvicto shown to reduce risk of progression or death by 28% in prostate cancer – Reuters

    1. Novartis’ Pluvicto shown to reduce risk of progression or death by 28% in prostate cancer  Reuters
    2. ESMO: Novartis’ Pluvicto slows hormone-sensitive prostate cancer progression  Fierce Pharma
    3. Novartis says PSMADDITION data show Novartis Pluvicto(TM) delays progression to end-stage prostate cancer  MarketScreener
    4. PSMAddition data show Novartis Pluvicto™ delays progression to end-stage prostate cancer  MarketScreener

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  • Subcutaneous amivantamab delivers promising 45 percent overall response rate with median duration of 7.2 months in recurrent or metastatic head and neck cancer

    Raritan, New Jersey, October 19, 2025 – Johnson & Johnson (NYSE:JNJ) today announced promising new results from the Phase 1b/2 OrigAMI-4 study evaluating the efficacy and safety of subcutaneous (SC) amivantamab monotherapy in patients with human papillomavirus (HPV)-unrelated, recurrent or metastatic head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (R/M HNSCC) after disease progression on a checkpoint inhibitor and platinum-based chemotherapy. The study used the new subcutaneous formulation of amivantamab, which can be delivered in a five-minute manual injection, offering increased patient convenience compared to intravenous RYBREVANT® (amivantamab-vmjw). Data were presented during a mini-oral session at the European Society for Medical Oncology (ESMO) 2025 Congress (Oral Abstract #1327MO).1

    Patients with R/M HNSCC have limited options and poor outcomes after disease progression on a PD-1 or PD-L1 inhibitor and platinum-based chemotherapy.2 Many are unable to receive further treatment, and for those who do, response rates with available therapies are typically only 10 to 24 percent.2,3,4 Survival remains short, with a median of 6 to 9 months, and may be even shorter among patients with HPV-unrelated disease.2,4,5,6 Patients also face a significant burden of symptoms such as difficulty swallowing, impaired speech, pain and fatigue.2 Epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) and MET, two key tumor drivers, are overexpressed in 80 to 90 percent of HNSCC tumors, highlighting their role as potential treatment targets.7,8,9 RYBREVANT®, the world’s first bispecific antibody approved for lung cancer, inhibits EGFR and MET, in addition to activating the immune system to attack cancer cells.10

    “Patients with recurrent or metastatic head and neck cancer face an aggressive disease that significantly impacts their quality of life,” said Professor Kevin Harrington*, MBBS, Ph.D., Professor in Biological Cancer Therapies at The Institute of Cancer Research, Royal Marsden Hospital, London, UK, and primary study investigator. “These results represent one of the most encouraging response rates we’ve seen in this difficult-to-treat setting, with durability that could meaningfully extend the time patients live without their disease progressing.”

    In Cohort 1 of the OrigAMI-4 study, treatment with SC amivantamab resulted in an overall response rate (the primary endpoint) of 45 percent in 38 efficacy-evaluable patients with R/M HNSCC unrelated to HPV with disease progression on or after a PD-1 or PD-L1 checkpoint inhibitor and platinum-based chemotherapy (95 percent confidence interval [CI], 29-62).1 Responses occurred quickly, with a median time to first response of 6.4 weeks (range, 5.7-18.3), and were durable, with a median duration of response of 7.2 months (95 percent CI, 5.3-not estimable [NE]).1,11 Tumor shrinkage of target lesions was observed in 82 percent of patients after 8.3 months follow-up.1 Median progression-free survival was 6.8 months (95 percent CI, 4.2-9.0), while median overall survival had not yet been reached (95 percent CI, 7.7-NE).1

    “These data highlight the broader potential of RYBREVANT-based therapies across solid tumors where the EGFR and/or MET pathways are activated,” said Kiran Patel, Vice President, Global Head, Solid Tumor Clinical Development and Diagnostics, Johnson & Johnson Innovative Medicine. “RYBREVANT combinations have already demonstrated significant results for certain patients with non-small cell lung cancer, leading to extended survival and delayed treatment resistance. Now we’re building on that progress in other hard-to-treat diseases like head and neck cancer. By targeting EGFR and MET while also engaging the immune system, subcutaneous amivantamab could provide new options for more patients who have few effective treatments.”

    The safety-evaluable population included 86 patients who received at least one dose of SC amivantamab monotherapy. The safety profile was consistent with prior SC amivantamab monotherapy studies, with no new safety signals observed. The most common treatment-emergent adverse events were fatigue (31 percent), hypoalbuminemia (31 percent) and stomatitis (23 percent). Administration-related reactions occurred in seven percent of patients, all mild to moderate (grade 1-2), with no severe events. Treatment discontinuation due to treatment-related adverse events occurred in two percent of patients.1

    Based on these results, Johnson & Johnson is initiating further study of SC amivantamab in head and neck cancer with the Phase 3 OrigAMI-5 study, which is evaluating first-line SC amivantamab with pembrolizumab and carboplatin versus 5-fluorouracil (5FU) plus pembrolizumab and platinum-based chemotherapy (cisplatin or carboplatin) in patients with HPV-unrelated R/M HNSCC. In addition to supporting further evaluation in first-line R/M HNSCC, these findings add to the evidence supporting the role of RYBREVANT®-based treatments across multiple solid tumors, including non-small cell lung cancer, colorectal cancer and HNSCC.

    About the OrigAMI-4 Study
    OrigAMI-4 (
    NCT06385080) is an open-label Phase 1b/2 study evaluating SC amivantamab in recurrent or metastatic head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (R/M HNSCC). The study includes five cohorts, including Cohort 1, which studied SC amivantamab as monotherapy in patients with human papillomavirus (HPV)-unrelated R/M HNSCC who had received prior platinum-based chemotherapy and PD-1/PD-L1 immunotherapy. Patients with prior anti-EGFR therapy were excluded. Subcutaneous amivantamab was administered every three weeks (Q3W) at 2400 mg, or 3360 mg for patients weighing 80 kg or more. The primary endpoint is overall response rate (ORR), assessed by blinded independent central review (BICR) using RECIST v1.1**.12

    About Head and Neck Squamous Cell Carcinoma
    Head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) is the most common type of head and neck cancer, accounting for more than 90 percent of cases and approximately 4.5 percent of all cancers worldwide.13 It develops in the mucosal linings of the oral cavity, oropharynx, hypopharynx, and larynx.13 Major risk factors include tobacco and alcohol use, as well as infection with high-risk human papillomavirus (HPV).13 Around 75 percent of cases are HPV-negative, which is typically associated with a poorer prognosis and reduced response to treatment.13,14 Despite advances in surgery, radiation, chemotherapy, and immunotherapy, many patients are diagnosed at an advanced stage, and recurrent or metastatic HNSCC continues to carry a poor prognosis.2,7

    About Subcutaneous Amivantamab
    Subcutaneous amivantamab is an investigational fixed-dose combination of the bispecific antibody amivantamab and recombinant human hyaluronidase PH20 (rHuPH20), which is part of Halozyme’s ENHANZE® drug delivery technology. It targets EGFR and MET with immune cell-directing activity and is being developed to address tumors driven by activating and resistance EGFR mutations as well as MET alterations.

    Subcutaneous amivantamab is being studied across multiple tumor types, including head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) and non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC).

    About RYBREVANT®
    RYBREVANT® (amivantamab-vmjw), a fully-human bispecific antibody targeting EGFR and MET with immune cell-directing activity, is approved in the
    U.S.,
    Europe and other markets around the world as monotherapy for the treatment of adult patients with locally advanced or metastatic NSCLC with EGFR exon 20 insertion mutations, as detected by an FDA-approved test, whose disease has progressed on or after platinum-based chemotherapy.10

    RYBREVANT® is approved in the
    U.S.,
    Europe and other markets around the world in combination with chemotherapy (carboplatin and pemetrexed) for the first-line treatment of adult patients with locally advanced or metastatic NSCLC with EGFR exon 20 insertion mutations, as detected by an FDA-approved test.

    RYBREVANT® is approved in the
    U.S.,
    Europe and other markets around the world in combination with LAZCLUZE® (lazertinib) for the first-line treatment of adult patients with locally advanced or metastatic NSCLC with EGFR exon 19 deletions or exon 21 L858R substitution mutations, as detected by an FDA-approved test.

    RYBREVANT® is approved in the
    U.S.,
    Europe and other markets around the world in combination with chemotherapy (carboplatin-pemetrexed) for the treatment of adult patients with locally advanced or metastatic NSCLC with EGFR exon 19 deletions or L858R substitution mutations, whose disease has progressed on or after treatment with an EGFR TKI.

    Subcutaneous amivantamab is approved in
    Europe in combination with LAZCLUZE® for the first-line treatment of adult patients with advanced NSCLC with EGFR exon 19 deletions or exon 21 L858R substitution mutations, and as a monotherapy for the treatment of adult patients with advanced NSCLC with activating EGFR exon 20 insertion mutations after failure of platinum-based therapy. A Biologics License Application (BLA) was submitted to the U.S. FDA for this indication.

    The National Comprehensive Cancer Network® (NCCN®) Clinical Practice Guidelines in Oncology (NCCN Guidelines®) for NSCLC§ prefer next-generation sequencing–based strategies over polymerase chain reaction–based approaches for the detection of EGFR exon 20 insertion, exon 19 deletion and L858R variants. The NCCN Guidelines include:

    • Amivantamab-vmjw (RYBREVANT®) plus lazertinib (LAZCLUZE®) as a Category 1 recommendation for first-line therapy in patients with locally advanced or metastatic NSCLC with EGFR exon 19 deletions or exon 21 L858R mutations.15 †‡
    • Amivantamab-vmjw (RYBREVANT®) plus chemotherapy as a Category 1 recommendation for patients with locally advanced or metastatic NSCLC with EGFR exon 19 deletions or exon 21 L858R mutations who experienced disease progression after treatment with osimertinib.15 †‡
    • Amivantamab-vmjw (RYBREVANT®) plus chemotherapy as a Category 1 recommendation for first-line therapy in treatment-naive patients with newly diagnosed advanced or metastatic EGFR exon 20 insertion mutation-positive advanced NSCLC. 15 †‡
    • Amivantamab-vmjw (RYBREVANT®) as a Category 2A recommendation for patients that have progressed on or after platinum-based chemotherapy with or without an immunotherapy and have EGFR exon 20 insertion mutation-positive NSCLC. 15 †‡

    In addition to the Phase 1b/2 OrigAMI-4 study, RYBREVANT® is being studied in multiple clinical trials, including:

    • The Phase 3 MARIPOSA (
      NCT04487080) study assessing RYBREVANT® in combination with LAZCLUZE® versus osimertinib and versus LAZCLUZE® alone in the first-line treatment of patients with locally advanced or metastatic NSCLC with EGFR ex19del or substitution mutations.16
    • The Phase 3 MARIPOSA-2 (
      NCT04988295) study assessing the efficacy of RYBREVANT® (with or without LAZCLUZE®) and carboplatin-pemetrexed versus carboplatin-pemetrexed alone in patients with locally advanced or metastatic NSCLC with EGFR exon 19 deletions or L858R substitution mutations after disease progression on or after osimertinib.17
    • The Phase 3 PAPILLON (
      NCT04538664) study assessing RYBREVANT® in combination with carboplatin-pemetrexed versus chemotherapy alone in the first-line treatment of patients with advanced or metastatic NSCLC with EGFR exon 20 insertion mutations.18
    • The Phase 3 PALOMA-3 (
      NCT05388669) study assessing LAZCLUZE® with subcutaneous (SC) amivantamab compared to RYBREVANT® in patients with EGFR-mutated advanced or metastatic NSCLC.19
    • The Phase 2 PALOMA-2 (
      NCT05498428) study assessing SC amivantamab in patients with advanced or metastatic solid tumors including EGFR-mutated NSCLC.20
    • The Phase 1 PALOMA (
      NCT04606381) study assessing the feasibility of SC amivantamab based on safety and pharmacokinetics and to determine a dose, dose regimen and formulation for SC amivantamab delivery.21
    • The Phase 1 CHRYSALIS (
      NCT02609776) study evaluating RYBREVANT® in patients with advanced NSCLC.22
    • The Phase 1/1b CHRYSALIS-2 (
      NCT04077463) study evaluating RYBREVANT® in combination with LAZCLUZE® and LAZCLUZE® as a monotherapy in patients with advanced NSCLC with EGFR mutations.23
    • The Phase 1/2 METalmark (
      NCT05488314) study assessing RYBREVANT® and capmatinib combination therapy in locally advanced or metastatic NSCLC.24
    • The Phase 1/2 swalloWTail (
      NCT06532032) study assessing RYBREVANT® and docetaxel combination therapy in patients with metastatic NSCLC.25
    • The Phase 1/2 PolyDamas (
      NCT05908734) study assessing RYBREVANT® and cetrelimab combination therapy in locally advanced or metastatic NSCLC.26
    • The Phase 2 SKIPPirr study (
      NCT05663866) exploring how to decrease the incidence and/or severity of first-dose infusion-related reactions with RYBREVANT® in combination with LAZCLUZE® in relapsed or refractory EGFR-mutated advanced or metastatic NSCLC.27
    • The Phase 2 COPERNICUS (
      NCT06667076) study combining developments in treatment administration and prophylactic supportive care in representative US patients with common EGFR-mutated NSCLC treated with SC amivantamab in combination with LAZCLUZE® or chemotherapy.28
    • The Phase 2 COCOON (
      NCT06120140) study assessing the effectiveness of a proactive dermatologic management regimen given with first-line RYBREVANT® and LAZCLUZE® in patients with EGFR-mutated advanced NSCLC.29
    • The Phase 1b/2 OrigAMI-1 (
      NCT05379595) study assessing RYBREVANT® monotherapy and in addition to standard-of-care chemotherapy in patients with advanced or metastatic colorectal cancer.30

    The legal manufacturer for RYBREVANT® is Janssen Biotech, Inc.

    For more information, visit:
    https://www.RYBREVANT.com.

    RYBREVANT® IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION10

    WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS

    Infusion-Related Reactions
    RYBREVANT® can cause infusion-related reactions (IRRs) including anaphylaxis; signs and symptoms of IRR include dyspnea, flushing, fever, chills, nausea, chest discomfort, hypotension, and vomiting. The median time to IRR onset is approximately 1 hour.

    RYBREVANT® with LAZCLUZE®

    In MARIPOSA (n=421), IRRs occurred in 63% of patients, including Grade 3 in 5% and Grade 4 in 1% of patients. IRR-related infusion modifications occurred in 54%, dose reduction in 0.7%, and permanent discontinuation of RYBREVANT® in 4.5% of patients.

    RYBREVANT® with Carboplatin and Pemetrexed

    Based on the pooled safety population (n=281), IRRs occurred in 50% of patients including Grade 3 (3.2%) adverse reactions. The incidence of infusion modifications was 46%, and 2.8% of patients permanently discontinued RYBREVANT® due to IRR.

    RYBREVANT® as a Single Agent

    In CHRYSALIS (n=302), IRRs occurred in 66% of patients. IRRs occurred in 65% of patients on Week 1 Day 1, 3.4% on Day 2 infusion, 0.4% with Week 2 infusion, and were cumulatively 1.1% with subsequent infusions. 97% were Grade 1-2, 2.2% were Grade 3, and 0.4% were Grade 4. The median time to onset was 1 hour (range 0.1 to 18 hours) after start of infusion. The incidence of infusion modifications was 62% and 1.3% of patients permanently discontinued RYBREVANT® due to IRRs.

    Premedicate with antihistamines, antipyretics, and glucocorticoids and infuse RYBREVANT® as recommended. Administer RYBREVANT® via a peripheral line on Week 1 and Week 2 to reduce the risk of IRRs. Monitor patients for signs and symptoms of IRRs in a setting where cardiopulmonary resuscitation medication and equipment are available. Interrupt infusion if IRR is suspected. Reduce the infusion rate or permanently discontinue RYBREVANT® based on severity. If an anaphylactic reaction occurs, permanently discontinue RYBREVANT®.

    Interstitial Lung Disease/Pneumonitis

    RYBREVANT® can cause severe and fatal interstitial lung disease (ILD)/pneumonitis.

    RYBREVANT® with LAZCLUZE®

    In MARIPOSA, ILD/pneumonitis occurred in 3.1% of patients, including Grade 3 in 1.0% and Grade 4 in 0.2% of patients. There was one fatal case (0.2%) of ILD/pneumonitis and 2.9% of patients permanently discontinued RYBREVANT® and LAZCLUZE® due to ILD/pneumonitis.

    RYBREVANT® with Carboplatin and Pemetrexed

    Based on the pooled safety population, ILD/pneumonitis occurred in 2.1% of patients with 1.8% of patients experiencing Grade 3 ILD/pneumonitis. 2.1% discontinued RYBREVANT® due to ILD/pneumonitis.

    RYBREVANT® as a Single Agent

    In CHRYSALIS, ILD/pneumonitis occurred in 3.3% of patients, with 0.7% of patients experiencing Grade 3 ILD/pneumonitis. Three patients (1%) permanently discontinued RYBREVANT® due to ILD/pneumonitis.

    Monitor patients for new or worsening symptoms indicative of ILD/pneumonitis (e.g., dyspnea, cough, fever). For patients receiving RYBREVANT® in combination with LAZCLUZE®, immediately withhold both drugs in patients with suspected ILD/pneumonitis and permanently discontinue if ILD/pneumonitis is confirmed. For patients receiving RYBREVANT® as a single agent or in combination with carboplatin and pemetrexed, immediately withhold RYBREVANT® in patients with suspected ILD/pneumonitis and permanently discontinue if ILD/pneumonitis is confirmed.

    Venous Thromboembolic Events with Concomitant Use of RYBREVANT® and LAZCLUZE®

    RYBREVANT® in combination with LAZCLUZE® can cause serious and fatal venous thromboembolic (VTE) events, including deep vein thrombosis and pulmonary embolism (PE). Most events occurred during the first four months of therapy.

    In MARIPOSA, VTEs occurred in 36% of patients including Grade 3 in 10% and Grade 4 in 0.5% of patients. On-study VTEs occurred in 1.2% of patients (n=5) while receiving anticoagulation therapy. There were two fatal cases of VTE (0.5%), 9% of patients had VTE leading to dose interruptions of RYBREVANT®, and 7% of patients had VTE leading to dose interruptions of LAZCLUZE®; 1% of patients had VTE leading to dose reductions of RYBREVANT®, and 0.5% of patients had VTE leading to dose reductions of LAZCLUZE®; 3.1% of patients had VTE leading to permanent discontinuation of RYBREVANT®, and 1.9% of patients had VTE leading to permanent discontinuation of LAZCLUZE®. The median time to onset of VTEs was 84 days (range: 6 to 777).

    Administer prophylactic anticoagulation for the first four months of treatment. The use of Vitamin K antagonists is not recommended. Monitor for signs and symptoms of VTE events and treat as medically appropriate.

    Withhold RYBREVANT® and LAZCLUZE® based on severity. Once anticoagulant treatment has been initiated, resume RYBREVANT® and LAZCLUZE® at the same dose level at the discretion of the healthcare provider. In the event of VTE recurrence despite therapeutic anticoagulation, permanently discontinue RYBREVANT® and continue treatment with LAZCLUZE® at the same dose level at the discretion of the healthcare provider.

    Dermatologic Adverse Reactions

    RYBREVANT® can cause severe rash including toxic epidermal necrolysis (TEN), dermatitis acneiform, pruritus, and dry skin.

    RYBREVANT® with LAZCLUZE®

    In MARIPOSA, rash occurred in 86% of patients, including Grade 3 in 26% of patients. The median time to onset of rash was 14 days (range: 1 to 556 days). Rash leading to dose interruptions occurred in 37% of patients for RYBREVANT® and 30% for LAZCLUZE®, rash leading to dose reductions occurred in 23% of patients for RYBREVANT® and 19% for LAZCLUZE®, and rash leading to permanent discontinuation occurred in 5% of patients for RYBREVANT® and 1.7% for LAZCLUZE®.

    RYBREVANT® with Carboplatin and Pemetrexed

    Based on the pooled safety population, rash occurred in 82% of patients, including Grade 3 (15%) adverse reactions. Rash leading to dose reductions occurred in 14% of patients, and 2.5% permanently discontinued RYBREVANT® and 3.1% discontinued pemetrexed.

    RYBREVANT® as a Single Agent

    In CHRYSALIS, rash occurred in 74% of patients, including Grade 3 in 3.3% of patients. The median time to onset of rash was 14 days (range: 1 to 276 days). Rash leading to dose reduction occurred in 5% and permanent discontinuation due to rash occurred in 0.7% of patients.

    Toxic epidermal necrolysis occurred in one patient (0.3%).

    Instruct patients to limit sun exposure during and for 2 months after treatment with RYBREVANT® or LAZCLUZE® in combination with RYBREVANT®. Advise patients to wear protective clothing and use broad-spectrum UVA/UVB sunscreen. Alcohol-free (e.g., isopropanol-free, ethanol-free) emollient cream is recommended for dry skin.

    When initiating treatment, administer alcohol-free emollient cream to reduce the risk of dermatologic adverse reactions. Consider prophylactic measures (eg, use of oral antibiotics). If skin reactions develop, start topical corticosteroids and topical and/or oral antibiotics. For Grade 3 reactions, add oral steroids and consider dermatologic consultation. Promptly refer patients presenting with severe rash, atypical appearance or distribution, or lack of improvement within 2 weeks to a dermatologist. For patients receiving RYBREVANT® in combination with LAZCLUZE®, withhold, reduce the dose, or permanently discontinue both drugs based on severity. For patients receiving RYBREVANT® as a single agent or in combination with carboplatin and pemetrexed, withhold, dose reduce or permanently discontinue RYBREVANT® based on severity.

    Ocular Toxicity

    RYBREVANT® can cause ocular toxicity including keratitis, blepharitis, dry eye symptoms, conjunctival redness, blurred vision, visual impairment, ocular itching, eye pruritus, and uveitis.

    RYBREVANT® with LAZCLUZE®

    In MARIPOSA, ocular toxicity occurred in 16%, including Grade 3 or 4 ocular toxicity in 0.7% of patients. Withhold, reduce the dose, or permanently discontinue RYBREVANT® and continue LAZCLUZE® based on severity.

    RYBREVANT® with Carboplatin and Pemetrexed

    Based on the pooled safety population, ocular toxicity occurred in 16% of patients. All events were Grade 1 or 2.

    RYBREVANT® as a Single Agent

    In CHRYSALIS, keratitis occurred in 0.7% and uveitis occurred in 0.3% of patients. All events were Grade 1-2.

    Promptly refer patients with new or worsening eye symptoms to an ophthalmologist. Withhold, reduce the dose, or permanently discontinue RYBREVANT® based on severity.

    Embryo-Fetal Toxicity
    Based on animal models, RYBREVANT® and LAZCLUZE® can cause fetal harm when administered to a pregnant woman. Advise females of reproductive potential of the potential risk to the fetus.

    Advise patients of reproductive potential to use effective contraception during treatment and for 3 months after the last dose of RYBREVANT®, and for 3 weeks after the last dose of LAZCLUZE®.

    ADVERSE REACTIONS

    RYBREVANT® with LAZCLUZE®

    In MARIPOSA (n=421) , the most common adverse reactions (ARs) (≥20%) were rash (86%), nail toxicity (71%), infusion-related reactions (IRRs) (RYBREVANT®) (63%), musculoskeletal pain (47%), stomatitis (43%), edema (43%), VTE (36%), paresthesia (35%), fatigue (32%), diarrhea (31%), constipation (29%), COVID-19 (26%), hemorrhage (25%), dry skin (25%), decreased appetite (24%), pruritus (24%), and nausea (21%). The most common Grade 3 or 4 laboratory abnormalities (≥2%) were decreased albumin (8%), decreased sodium (7%), increased ALT (7%), decreased potassium (5%), decreased hemoglobin (3.8%), increased AST (3.8%), increased GGT (2.6%), and increased magnesium (2.6%).

    Serious ARs occurred in 49% of patients, with those occurring in ≥2% of patients including VTE (11%), pneumonia (4%), ILD/pneumonitis and rash (2.9% each), COVID-19 (2.4%), and pleural effusion and IRRs (RYBREVANT®) (2.1% each). Fatal ARs occurred in 7% of patients due to death not otherwise specified (1.2%); sepsis and respiratory failure (1% each); pneumonia, myocardial infarction, and sudden death (0.7% each); cerebral infarction, pulmonary embolism (PE), and COVID-19 infection (0.5% each); and ILD/pneumonitis, acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS), and cardiopulmonary arrest (0.2% each).

    RYBREVANT® with Carboplatin and Pemetrexed

    In MARIPOSA-2 (n=130), the most common ARs (≥20%) were rash (72%), IRRs (59%), fatigue (51%), nail toxicity (45%), nausea (45%), constipation (39%), edema (36%), stomatitis (35%), decreased appetite (31%), musculoskeletal pain (30%), vomiting (25%), and COVID-19 (21%). The most common Grade 3 to 4 laboratory abnormalities (≥2%) were decreased neutrophils (49%), decreased white blood cells (42%), decreased lymphocytes (28%), decreased platelets (17%), decreased hemoglobin (12%), decreased potassium (11%), decreased sodium (11%), increased alanine aminotransferase (3.9%), decreased albumin (3.8%), and increased gamma-glutamyl transferase (3.1%).

    In MARIPOSA-2, serious ARs occurred in 32% of patients, with those occurring in >2% of patients including dyspnea (3.1%), thrombocytopenia (3.1%), sepsis (2.3%), and PE (2.3%). Fatal ARs occurred in 2.3% of patients; these included respiratory failure, sepsis, and ventricular fibrillation (0.8% each).

    In PAPILLON (n=151), the most common ARs (≥20%) were rash (90%), nail toxicity (62%), stomatitis (43%), IRRs (42%), fatigue (42%), edema (40%), constipation (40%), decreased appetite (36%), nausea (36%), COVID-19 (24%), diarrhea (21%), and vomiting (21%). The most common Grade 3 to 4 laboratory abnormalities (≥2%) were decreased albumin (7%), increased alanine aminotransferase (4%), increased gamma-glutamyl transferase (4%), decreased sodium (7%), decreased potassium (11%), decreased magnesium (2%), and decreases in white blood cells (17%), hemoglobin (11%), neutrophils (36%), platelets (10%), and lymphocytes (11%).

    In PAPILLON, serious ARs occurred in 37% of patients, with those occurring in ≥2% of patients including rash, pneumonia, ILD, PE, vomiting, and COVID-19. Fatal adverse reactions occurred in 7 patients (4.6%) due to pneumonia, cerebrovascular accident, cardio-respiratory arrest, COVID-19, sepsis, and death not otherwise specified.

    RYBREVANT® as a Single Agent

    In CHRYSALIS (n=129), the most common ARs (≥20%) were rash (84%), IRR (64%), paronychia (50%), musculoskeletal pain (47%), dyspnea (37%), nausea (36%), fatigue (33%), edema (27%), stomatitis (26%), cough (25%), constipation (23%), and vomiting (22%). The most common Grade 3 to 4 laboratory abnormalities (≥2%) were decreased lymphocytes (8%), decreased albumin (8%), decreased phosphate (8%), decreased potassium (6%), increased alkaline phosphatase (4.8%), increased glucose (4%), increased gamma-glutamyl transferase (4%), and decreased sodium (4%).

    Serious ARs occurred in 30% of patients, with those occurring in ≥2% of patients including PE, pneumonitis/ILD, dyspnea, musculoskeletal pain, pneumonia, and muscular weakness. Fatal adverse reactions occurred in 2 patients (1.5%) due to pneumonia and 1 patient (0.8%) due to sudden death.

    LAZCLUZE® Drug Interactions
    Avoid concomitant use of LAZCLUZE® with strong and moderate CYP3A4 inducers. Consider an alternate concomitant medication with no potential to induce CYP3A4.

    Monitor for adverse reactions associated with a CYP3A4 or BCRP substrate where minimal concentration changes may lead to serious adverse reactions, as recommended in the approved product labeling for the CYP3A4 or BCRP substrate.

    Please read full
    Prescribing Information for RYBREVANT®.

    Please read full
    Prescribing Information for LAZCLUZE®.

    About Johnson & Johnson
    At Johnson & Johnson, we believe health is everything. Our strength in healthcare innovation empowers us to build a world where complex diseases are prevented, treated, and cured, where treatments are smarter and less invasive, and solutions are personal. Through our expertise in Innovative Medicine and MedTech, we are uniquely positioned to innovate across the full spectrum of healthcare solutions today to deliver the breakthroughs of tomorrow and profoundly impact health for humanity. Learn more at
    https://www.jnj.com/ or at
    www.innovativemedicine.jnj.com. Follow us at
    @JNJInnovMed.

    Cautions Concerning Forward-Looking Statements
    This press release contains “forward-looking statements” as defined in the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 regarding product development and the potential benefits and treatment impact of SC amivantamab and RYBREVANT® (amivantamab-vmjw). The reader is cautioned not to rely on these forward-looking statements. These statements are based on current expectations of future events. If underlying assumptions prove inaccurate or known or unknown risks or uncertainties materialize, actual results could vary materially from the expectations and projections of Johnson & Johnson. Risks and uncertainties include, but are not limited to: challenges and uncertainties inherent in product research and development, including the uncertainty of clinical success and of obtaining regulatory approvals; uncertainty of commercial success; manufacturing difficulties and delays; competition, including technological advances, new products and patents attained by competitors; challenges to patents; product efficacy or safety concerns resulting in product recalls or regulatory action; changes in behavior and spending patterns of purchasers of health care products and services; changes to applicable laws and regulations, including global health care reforms; and trends toward health care cost containment. A further list and descriptions of these risks, uncertainties and other factors can be found in Johnson & Johnson’s most recent Annual Report on Form 10-K, including in the sections captioned “Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements” and “Item 1A. Risk Factors,” and in Johnson & Johnson’s subsequent Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q and other filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Copies of these filings are available online at http://www.sec.gov, http://www.jnj.com, or on request from Johnson & Johnson. Johnson & Johnson does not undertake to update any forward-looking statement as a result of new information or future events or developments.

    Footnotes
    *Prof. Kevin Harrington, MBBS, Ph.D., has served as a consultant to Johnson & Johnson; he has not been paid for any media work.
    **RECIST (version 1.1) refers to Response Evaluation Criteria in Solid Tumors, which is a standard way to measure how well solid tumors respond to treatment and is based on whether tumors shrink, stay the same or get bigger.
    §The NCCN Content does not constitute medical advice and should not be used in place of seeking professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment by licensed practitioners. NCCN makes no warranties of any kind whatsoever regarding their content, use or application and disclaims any responsibility for their application or use in any way.
    †See the NCCN Guidelines for detailed recommendations, including other treatment options.
    ‡The NCCN Guidelines for NSCLC provide recommendations for certain individual biomarkers that should be tested and recommend testing techniques but do not endorse any specific commercially available biomarker assays or commercial laboratories.
    Source: Johnson & Johnson

    1 Harrington K, et al. Amivantamab in recurrent/metastatic head & neck squamous cell cancer after disease progression on checkpoint inhibition and chemotherapy [ESMO abstract 1327MO]. Presented at: European Society for Medical Oncology 2025 Congress; October 19, 2025; Berlin, Germany.

    2 Ferris RL, Blumenschein G Jr, Fayette J, et al. Nivolumab for Recurrent Squamous-Cell Carcinoma of the Head and Neck. New England Journal of Medicine. 2016;375(19):1856-1867. doi:10.1056/NEJMoa1602252

    3 Cohen EEW, Soulières D, Le Tourneau C, et al. Pembrolizumab versus methotrexate, docetaxel, or cetuximab for recurrent or metastatic head-and-neck squamous cell carcinoma (KEYNOTE-040): a randomised, open-label, phase 3 study. Lancet. 2019;393(10167):156-167. doi:10.1016/S0140-6736(18)31999-8

    4 Fayette J, Licitra L, Harrington K, et al. INTERLINK-1: A Phase III, Randomized, Placebo-Controlled Study of Monalizumab plus Cetuximab in Recurrent/Metastatic Head and Neck Squamous Cell Carcinoma. Clinical Cancer Research. 2025;31(13):2617-2627. doi:10.1158/1078-0432.CCR-25-0073

    5 Tahara M, Greil R, Rischin D, et al. Pembrolizumab with or without chemotherapy in recurrent or metastatic head and neck squamous cell carcinoma: 5-year follow-up from the randomized phase III KEYNOTE-048 study. European Journal of Cancer. 2025;221:115395. doi:10.1016/j.ejca.2025.115395

    6 Zhang L, Chai AWY, Wong MCS, et al. Incidence and survival outcomes of human papillomavirus–associated head and neck cancers: A population-based study. JAMA Netw Open. 2024;7(7):e2421771. doi:10.1001/jamanetworkopen.2024.21771

    7 Wise-Draper TM, Bahig H, Tonneau M, Karivedu V, Burtness B. Current Therapy for Metastatic Head and Neck Cancer: Evidence, Opportunities, and Challenges. American Society of Clinical Oncology Education Book. 2022;42:1-14. https://doi.org/10.1200/edbk_350442

    8 Rothenberger NJ, Stabile LP. Hepatocyte Growth Factor/c-Met Signaling in Head and Neck Cancer and Implications for Treatment. Cancers. 2017; 9(4):39. https://doi.org/10.3390/cancers9040039

    9 Hartmann, S, et al. HGF/Met Signaling in Head and Neck Cancer: Impact on the Tumor Microenvironment. Clinical Cancer Research. 2016;22(16):4005-4013. ﷟https://doi.org/10.1158/1078-0432.CCR-16-0951

    10 RYBREVANT® Prescribing Information. Horsham, PA: Janssen Biotech, Inc.

    11 Harrington K, et al. Amivantamab in recurrent/metastatic head & neck squamous cell cancer after disease progression on checkpoint inhibition and chemotherapy [ESMO abstract 1327MO]. Abstract presented in: European Society for Medical Oncology 2025 Congress Abstract Book, Annals of Oncology. 2025.

    12 ClinicalTrials.gov. A Study of Amivantamab Alone or in Addition to Other Treatment Agents in Participants With Recurrent/ Metastatic Head and Neck Cancer (OrigAMI-4). https://clinicaltrials.gov/study/NCT06385080?term=OrigAMI-4&limit=10&rank=1. Accessed October 2025.

    13 Barsouk A, et al. Risk Factors, and Prevention of Head and Neck Squamous Cell Carcinoma. Medical Sciences. 2023;11(2):42. https://doi.org/10.3390/medsci11020042

    14 Ghiani L, Chiocca S. High Risk-Human Papillomavirus in HNSCC: Present and Future Challenges for Epigenetic Therapies. International Journal of Molecular Sciences. 2022;23(7):3483. https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms23073483

    15 Referenced with permission from the NCCN Clinical Practice Guidelines in Oncology (NCCN Guidelines®) for Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer V.3.2025 © National Comprehensive Cancer Network, Inc. All rights reserved. To view the most recent and complete version of the guideline, go online to NCCN.org. Accessed October 2025.

    16 ClinicalTrials.gov. A Study of Amivantamab and Lazertinib Combination Therapy Versus Osimertinib in Locally Advanced or Metastatic Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer (MARIPOSA). https://classic.clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT04487080. Accessed October 2025.

    17 ClinicalTrials.gov. A Study of Amivantamab and LAZCLUZE® in Combination With Platinum-Based Chemotherapy Compared With Platinum-Based Chemotherapy in Patients With Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor (EGFR)-Mutated Locally Advanced or Metastatic Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer After Osimertinib Failure (MARIPOSA-2). Available at: https://classic.clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/study/NCT04988295. Accessed October 2025.

    18 ClinicalTrials.gov. A Study of Combination Amivantamab and Carboplatin-Pemetrexed Therapy, Compared With Carboplatin-Pemetrexed, in Participants With Advanced or Metastatic Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer Characterized by Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor (EGFR) Exon 20 Insertions (PAPILLON). Available at: https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT04538664. Accessed October 2025.

    19 ClinicalTrials.gov. A Study of LAZCLUZE® With Subcutaneous Amivantamab Compared With Intravenous Amivantamab in Participants With Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor (EGFR)-Mutated Advanced or Metastatic Non-small Cell Lung Cancer (PALOMA-3). https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT05388669. Accessed October 2025.

    20 ClinicalTrials.gov. A Study of Amivantamab in Participants With Advanced or Metastatic Solid Tumors Including Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor (EGFR)-Mutated Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer (PALOMA-2). https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT05498428. Accessed October 2025.

    21 ClinicalTrials.gov. A Study of Amivantamab Subcutaneous (SC) Administration for the Treatment of Advanced Solid Malignancies (PALOMA). Available at: https://clinicaltrials.gov/study/NCT04606381. Accessed October 2025.

    22 ClinicalTrials.gov. A Study of Amivantamab, a Human Bispecific EGFR and cMet Antibody, in Participants With Advanced Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer (CHRYSALIS). https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT02609776. Accessed October 2025.

    23 ClinicalTrials.gov. A Study of LAZCLUZE® as Monotherapy or in Combination With Amivantamab in Participants With Advanced Non-small Cell Lung Cancer (CHRYSALIS-2). https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT04077463. Accessed October 2025.

    24 ClinicalTrials.gov. A Study of Amivantamab and Capmatinib Combination Therapy in Unresectable Metastatic Non-small Cell Lung Cancer (METalmark). https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT05488314. Accessed October 2025.

    25 ClinicalTrials.gov. A Study of Combination Therapy With Amivantamab and Docetaxel in Participants With Metastatic Non-small Cell Lung Cancer (swalloWTail). https://www.clinicaltrials.gov/study/NCT06532032?term=Swallowtail&intr=amivantamab&rank=1. Accessed October 2025.

    26 ClinicalTrials.gov. A Study of Combination Therapy With Amivantamab and Cetrelimab in Participants With Metastatic Non-small Cell Lung Cancer (PolyDamas). https://www.clinicaltrials.gov/study/NCT05908734?term=polydamas&rank=1. Accessed October 2025.

    27 ClinicalTrials.gov. Premedication to Reduce Amivantamab Associated Infusion Related Reactions (SKIPPirr). https://classic.clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT05663866. Accessed October 2025.

    28 ClinicalTrials.gov. A Study of Amivantamab in Combination With Lazertinib, or Amivantamab in Combination With Platinum-Based Chemotherapy, for Common Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor (EGFR)-Mutated Locally Advanced or Metastatic Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer (NSCLC) (COPERNICUS). https://www.clinicaltrials.gov/study/NCT06667076?term=COPERNICUS&rank=3. Accessed October 2025.

    29 ClinicalTrials.gov. Enhanced Dermatological Care to Reduce Rash and Paronychia in Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor (EGRF)-Mutated Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer (NSCLC) Treated First-line With Amivantamab Plus Lazertinib (COCOON). https://www.clinicaltrials.gov/study/NCT06120140. Accessed October 2025.

    30 ClinicalTrials.gov. A Study of Amivantamab Monotherapy and in Addition to Standard-of-Care Chemotherapy in Participants With Advanced or Metastatic Colorectal Cancer (OrigAMI-1). https://clinicaltrials.gov/study/NCT05379595?term=NCT05379595&rank=1. Accessed October 2025.


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  • PSMAddition data show Novartis Pluvicto™ delays progression to end-stage prostate cancer

    PSMAddition data show Novartis Pluvicto™ delays progression to end-stage prostate cancer

    • PluvictoTM plus standard of care (ARPI + ADT) significantly reduced risk of progression or death by 28% (HR 0.72) versus SoC alone, with positive trend in OS (HR 0.84) in PSMA+ metastatic hormone-sensitive prostate cancer (mHSPC)1
    • Most patients with mHSPC progress to metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer, underscoring urgent need for new therapies that can reduce risk of progression in earlier disease settings2,3
    • The safety profile and tolerability of Pluvicto in this third positive Phase III study were consistent with its established profile in PSMAfore and VISION trials1,4,5
    • Novartis plans to submit to regulatory authorities by end of year; potential approval would double the number of patients eligible for Pluvicto and further establish its efficacy in metastatic prostate cancer settings

    Basel, October 19, 2025 – Novartis today presents new Pluvicto™ (lutetium (177Lu) vipivotide tetraxetan) data from the Phase III PSMAddition trial in a Presidential Symposium at the European Society for Medical Oncology (ESMO) Congress 2025.

    Pluvicto plus standard of care (SoC) (androgen receptor pathway inhibitor [ARPI] + androgen deprivation therapy [ADT]) demonstrated a statistically significant and clinically meaningful improvement in radiographic progression-free survival (rPFS), reducing the risk of radiographic progression or death by 28% (HR 0.72; 95% CI: 0.58, 0.90) versus SoC alone in patients with prostate-specific membrane antigen (PSMA)+ metastatic hormone-sensitive prostate cancer (mHSPC)1.

    Results also show an early positive trend in overall survival (OS) in patients treated with Pluvicto plus SoC (HR 0.84; 95% CI: 0.63, 1.13); follow-up will continue until data are mature1. More patients achieved a complete response versus SoC alone (57.1% vs. 42.3%) and the overall response rate (ORR) was numerically higher in the Pluvicto plus SoC arm (85.3% vs. 80.8%)1. Pluvicto delayed time to progression to metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer (mCRPC) (HR 0.70; 95% CI: 0.58, 0.84)1. The rPFS benefit was consistent across pre-specified subgroups1.

    “In metastatic prostate cancer, choosing the most efficacious treatment early is crucial, even at initial diagnosis,” said Scott T. Tagawa, MD, a professor of medicine at Weill Cornell Medicine and a medical oncologist at NewYork-Presbyterian/Weill Cornell Medical Center. “These findings suggest that combining 177Lu-PSMA-617 with standard of care hormonal therapy offers patients more time without disease progression, a safety profile with adverse events that are most often low grade and managed with supportive care, and an encouraging trend in overall survival.” 

    “These results reinforce the potential for Pluvicto, a radioligand therapy that delivers treatment directly to target cells, to change how we treat metastatic prostate cancer,” said Shreeram Aradhye, President, Development and Chief Medical Officer, Novartis. “With significant benefit now shown across multiple disease stages, Pluvicto is redefining the standard of care. The strength of these results reflects our deep commitment to patients with prostate cancer and our leadership in radioligand therapy.”

    The safety profile and tolerability of Pluvicto were consistent with its established profile in PSMAfore and VISION1,4,5. Grade ≥3 adverse events (AEs) were reported in 50.7% of patients in the Pluvicto plus SoC arm, compared to 43% on SoC alone1. The most common all-grade AEs were dry mouth, fatigue, nausea, hot flush and anemia1.

    PSMAddition marks the third positive Phase III trial with Pluvicto1,4,5. Building on the significant benefit demonstrated in PSMAfore, which led to the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approval in pre-taxane mCRPC in March 2025, these new results strengthen the evidence base for Pluvicto and demonstrate its potential to improve outcomes in an even earlier stage of metastatic prostate cancer1,4,6. Novartis plans to submit these data to regulatory authorities before end of year.

    About unmet need in mHSPC
    Approximately 172,000 men are diagnosed with mHSPC each year across the US, China, Japan, France, Germany, Italy, Spain and the United Kingdom1. Most patients progress to mCRPC, typically within 20 months2,3,7,8. Progression to mCRPC is associated with significantly worse outcomes, including increased patient burden, worse quality of life and life expectancy less than two years9,10. More than 80% of patients with prostate cancer highly express the PSMA biomarker, making it a promising therapeutic target11–15.

    About PSMAddition
    PSMAddition (NCT04720157) is a Phase III, open-label, prospective, 1:1 randomized study comparing the efficacy and safety of Pluvicto in combination with SoC (ARPI + ADT) vs. SoC alone in adult patients with PSMA+ mHSPC16. The primary endpoint is rPFS, defined as the time to radiographic progression by PCWG3-modified RECIST V1.1 (as assessed by BIRC) or death16. The key secondary endpoint of OS is defined as time to death due to any cause16. The study remains ongoing and a total of 1,144 patients with mHSPC across 20 countries have been randomized in the trial16.

    About Pluvicto™ (lutetium (177Lu) vipivotide tetraxetan)
    Pluvicto is an intravenous RLT that combines a targeting compound (a ligand) with a therapeutic radionuclide (a radioactive particle, in this case lutetium-177)5,17. After administration into the bloodstream, Pluvicto binds to PSMA-expressing target cells, including prostate cancer cells that express PSMA, a transmembrane protein5,17. Once bound, energy emissions from the radioisotope damage the target cells and nearby cells, disrupting their ability to replicate and/or triggering cell death17.

    Pluvicto is the only PSMA-targeted agent approved for PSMA+ mCRPC and is the first RLT to demonstrate a clinical benefit for patients with PSMA+ mHSPC in a Phase III trial1. Novartis is investigating Pluvicto in oligometastatic prostate cancer, an earlier stage of disease, in the PSMA-DC trial (NCT05939414).

    Novartis and radioligand therapy (RLT)
    Novartis is reimagining cancer care with RLT for patients with advanced cancers. By harnessing the power of targeted radiation and applying it to advanced cancers, RLT is designed to deliver treatment directly to target cells, anywhere in the body18,19. Novartis is investigating a broad portfolio of RLTs, exploring new isotopes, ligands and combination therapies to look beyond gastroenteropancreatic neuroendocrine tumors (GEP-NETs) and prostate cancer and into breast, colon, lung and pancreatic cancer. Novartis has established global expertise, with specialized supply chain and manufacturing capabilities across its network of RLT production sites. To support growing demand for RLTs, we have active production capabilities in Millburn (NJ), Zaragoza (Spain), Ivrea (Italy) and a state-of-the-art facility in Indianapolis (IN). Expansions are ongoing in Carlsbad (CA), where Novartis is establishing its third US-based RLT manufacturing site to support expanded use of RLTs, and Sasayama (Japan) to create resiliency and optimize delivery of medicines to patients.

    Disclaimer
    This press release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of the United States Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Forward-looking statements can generally be identified by words such as “potential,” “can,” “will,” “plan,” “may,” “could,” “would,” “expect,” “anticipate,” “look forward,” “believe,” “committed,” “investigational,” “pipeline,” “launch,” or similar terms, or by express or implied discussions regarding potential marketing approvals, new indications or labeling for the investigational or approved products described in this press release, or regarding potential future revenues from such products. You should not place undue reliance on these statements. Such forward-looking statements are based on our current beliefs and expectations regarding future events, and are subject to significant known and unknown risks and uncertainties. Should one or more of these risks or uncertainties materialize, or should underlying assumptions prove incorrect, actual results may vary materially from those set forth in the forward-looking statements. There can be no guarantee that the investigational or approved products described in this press release will be submitted or approved for sale or for any additional indications or labeling in any market, or at any particular time. Nor can there be any guarantee that such products will be commercially successful in the future. In particular, our expectations regarding such products could be affected by, among other things, the uncertainties inherent in research and development, including clinical trial results and additional analysis of existing clinical data; regulatory actions or delays or government regulation generally; global trends toward health care cost containment, including government, payor and general public pricing and reimbursement pressures and requirements for increased pricing transparency; our ability to obtain or maintain proprietary intellectual property protection; the particular prescribing preferences of physicians and patients; general political, economic and business conditions, including the effects of and efforts to mitigate pandemic diseases; safety, quality, data integrity or manufacturing issues; potential or actual data security and data privacy breaches, or disruptions of our information technology systems, and other risks and factors referred to in Novartis AG’s current Form 20-F on file with the US Securities and Exchange Commission. Novartis is providing the information in this press release as of this date and does not undertake any obligation to update any forward-looking statements contained in this press release as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.

    About Novartis 
    Novartis is an innovative medicines company. Every day, we work to reimagine medicine to improve and extend people’s lives so that patients, healthcare professionals and societies are empowered in the face of serious disease. Our medicines reach nearly 300 million people worldwide.

    Reimagine medicine with us: Visit us at https://www.novartis.com and connect with us on LinkedIn, Facebook, X/Twitter and Instagram.

    Disclosure: Dr. Tagawa is a paid consultant for Novartis.

    References

    1. Novartis. Data on file.
    2. Hussain M, Fizazi K, Shore ND, et al. Metastatic hormone-sensitive prostate cancer and combination treatment outcomes. JAMA Oncol. 2024;10(6):807-820. 
    3. Kulasegaran T, Oliveira N. Metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer: advances in treatment and symptom management. Curr Treat Options Oncol. 2024;25(7):914-931.
    4. Morris M, Castellano D, Herrmann K, et al. 177Lu-PSMA-617 versus a change of androgen receptor pathway inhibitor therapy for taxane-naive patients with progressive metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer (PSMAfore): a phase 3, randomised, controlled trial. Lancet. 2024. doi:10.1016/S0140-6736(24)01653-2.
    5. Sartor O, de Bono J, Chi KN, et al. Lutetium-177–PSMA-617 for Metastatic Castration-Resistant Prostate Cancer. N Engl J Med. 2021;385(12):1091-1103. doi:10.1056/NEJMoa2107322.
    6. Pluvicto [prescribing information]. East Hanover, NJ: Novartis Pharmaceuticals Corporation; 2025.
    7. Verry C, Vincendeau S, Massetti M, et al. Pattern of clinical progression until metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer: an epidemiological study from the European Prostate Cancer Registry. Target Oncol. 2022;17(4):441-451.
    8. Wenzel M, Siech C, Hoeh B, et al. Contemporary treatment patterns and oncological outcomes of metastatic hormone-sensitive prostate cancer and first- to sixth- line metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer patients. Eur Urol Open Sci. 2024;66:46-54.
    9. Freedland SJ, Davis M, Epstein AJ, Arondekar B, Ivanova JI. Real-world treatment patterns and overall survival among men with Metastatic Castration-Resistant Prostate Cancer (mCRPC) in the US Medicare population. Prostate Cancer Prostatic Dis. 2024;27(2):327-333.
    10. Holmstrom S, Naidoo S, Turnbull J, et al. Symptoms and impacts in metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer: qualitative findings from patient and physician interviews. Patient. 2019;12(1):57-67.
    11. Hope TA, Aggarwal R, Chee B, et al. Impact of 68Ga-PSMA-11 PET on management in patients with biochemically recurrent prostate cancer. J Nucl Med. 2017;58(12):1956-61.
    12. Hupe MC, Philippi C, Roth D, et al. Expression of prostate-specific membrane antigen (PSMA) on biopsies is an independent risk stratifier of prostate cancer patients at time of initial diagnosis. Front Oncol. 2018;8:623.
    13. Bostwick DG, Pacelli A, Blute M, et al. Prostate specific membrane antigen expression in prostatic intraepithelial neoplasia and adenocarcinoma: a study of 184 cases. Cancer. 1998;82(11):2256-61.
    14. Pomykala KL, Czernin J, Grogan TR, et al. Total-body 68Ga-PSMA-11 PET/CT for bone metastasis detection in prostate cancer patients: potential impact on bone scan guidelines. J Nucl Med. 2020;61(3):405-11.
    15. Minner S, Wittmer C, Graefen M, et al. High level PSMA expression is associated with early PSA recurrence in surgically treated prostate cancer. Prostate. 2011;71(3):281-8.
    16. Clinicaltrials.gov. NCT04720157. An International Prospective Open-label, Randomized, Phase III Study Comparing 177Lu-PSMA-617 in Combination With SoC, Versus SoC Alone, in Adult Male Patients With mHSPC (PSMAddition). Accessed October 2025. https://clinicaltrials.gov/study/NCT04720157.
    17. University of Chicago Medicine. Lutetium-177 PSMA Therapy for Prostate Cancer (Pluvicto). Accessed October 2025. https://www.uchicagomedicine.org/cancer/types-treatments/prostate-cancer/treatment/lutetium-177-psma-therapy-for-prostate-cancer.
    18. Jadvar H. Targeted Radionuclide Therapy: An Evolution Toward Precision Cancer Treatment [published correction appears in AJR Am J Roentgenol. 2017 Oct;209(4):949. doi:10.2214/AJR.17.18875]. AJR Am J Roentgenol. 2017;209(2):277-288. doi:10.2214/AJR.17.18264.
    19. Jurcic JG, Wong JYC, Knoc SJ, et al. Targeted radionuclide therapy. In: Tepper JE, Foote RE, Michalski JM, eds. Gunderson & Tepper’s Clinical Radiation Oncology. 5th ed. Elsevier, Inc. 2021;71(3):209-249.

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  • Brensocatib Reduced Symptom Burden, Neutrophil Serine Proteases Activity in Bronchiectasis

    Brensocatib Reduced Symptom Burden, Neutrophil Serine Proteases Activity in Bronchiectasis

    Abstracts presented during the CHEST annual meeting, held in Chicago, Illinois, October 19-22, 2025, showed the efficacy of brensocatib (Brinsupr; Insmed Incorporated Investor Relations) in reducing the activity of neutrophil serine proteases (NSPs) and reducing symptom burden in patients with non–cystic fibrosis bronchiectasis.

    Brensocatib was approved by the FDA for use in bronchiectasis just this year based on the findings of the ASPEN trial (NCT04594369).1 Although the approval was solely in adults, other studies found that brensocatib was effective in adolescents as well, presenting the first-ever method of treatment for those living with bronchiectasis.

    An abstract reporting on the effect of brensocatib on sputum NSP concentrations compared with placebo through 52 weeks of treatment and 4 weeks of follow-up was presented during the conference.2 All participants were adult patients from the ASPEN trial and were required to have at least 2 instances of pulmonary exacerbations in the 12 months prior to screening for the trial. Participants were split 1:1:1 for 10-mg brensocatib, 25-mg brensocatib, or a matching placebo. Sputum samples were collected at baseline and weeks 4, 16, 28, 40, 52, and 56, with the last sample being collected 4 weeks after treatment.

    There were 105 participants in the 10-mg group, 108 in the 25-mg group, and 115 in the placebo group who were included in the analysis. Neutrophil elastase (NE), cathepsin G (CatG), and proteinase 3 (PR3) were the primary NSPs evaluated and varied between the 3 groups at baseline.

    Both groups receiving brensocatib saw a decrease in activity of NE, CatG, and PR3 by the fourth week compared with the placebo group, which did not see any change. The median (range) percent change in the 10-mg and 25-mg groups was –33.7% (–58.8% to 0.0%) and –41.2% (–71.1% to –3.6%), respectively, compared with –4.6% in the placebo group for NE; similar results were found for median change in CatG (–39.7%, –48.1%, and 0.0%, respectively) and PR3 (–27.7%, –58.4%, and 0.0%, respectively). When participants stopped taking treatment, activity returned to baseline.

    The authors concluded that active receipt of brensocatib resulted in the reduction of activity in NSP within the first 4 weeks of taking the treatment. The 25-mg dose also resulted in a higher reduction in activity compared with the 10-mg dose.

    The second abstract focused on the effect of brensocatib on symptom burden for patients with bronchiectasis with or without pulmonary exacerbations.3 The ASPEN trial had previously found that both the 10-mg and 25-mg doses of brensocatib had reduced the rate of pulmonary exacerbations, the time to first exacerbation, and increased the odds of going without an exacerbation for 52 weeks. This analysis instead focused on how brensocatib affected symptoms of those with bronchiectasis with or without pulmonary exacerbations using the Bronchiectasis Exacerbation and Symptom Tool (BEST).

    Participants were all from the ASPEN trial randomized 1:1:1 to 10 mg of brensocatib, 25 mg of brensocatib, or placebo for 52 weeks. Severe exacerbations were defined as those that required intravenous antibiotics or hospitalization. The BEST measurement assessed breathlessness, fatigue, sputum volume, cough, symptoms of the cold or flu, and sputum purulence. These measurements were taken each day until the end of the study. Lower scores indicated fewer symptoms.

    There were 784 participants in the group without exacerbations, 879 in the group with any exacerbation, and 194 in the group with severe exacerbations included in the study. Symptom burden was greater in patients with exacerbations compared with those without any exacerbations. Those who used brensocatib had a baseline decrease in BEST score that was greater than those who did not take brensocatib across all subgroups.

    Those who took brensocatib had reduced symptom burden 21 days before and after a severe exacerbation compared with placebo, with a mean (SD) peak score increase from baseline of 3.45 (4.1) in the 10-mg group and 3.43 (4.4) in the 25-mg group that was taken 5 to 7 days before the start date of the severe exacerbation. In comparison, the mean peak score increase was 4.07 (4.4) in those who used placebo.

    The researchers concluded that symptom burden was reduced in those taking brensocatib of either dose regardless of the occurrence of exacerbations. Those without exacerbations and patients using the 25-mg dose saw the greatest reductions in symptom burden.

    References

    1. McCormick B. Brensocatib becomes first FDA-approved therapy for bronchiectasis. AJMC®. August 12, 2025. Accessed October 15, 2025. https://www.ajmc.com/view/brensocatib-becomes-first-fda-approved-therapy-for-bronchiectasis

    2. Metersky ML, De-Soyza A, Burgel PR, et al. Effects of brensocatib on neutrophil serine protease levels in patients with noncystic fibrosis bronchiectasis: an analysis of the ASPEN trial. Presented at: CHEST; October 19-22, 2025; Chicago, Illinois.

    3. Flume PA, Metersky ML, Mauger D, et al. The effect of brensocatib vs placebo on symptom burden in patients with or without on-study pulmonary exacerbations: a posthoc analysis from the ASPEN trial. Presented at: CHEST; October 19-22, 2025; Chicago, Illinois.

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  • OPTIPRIME Trial at ESMO 2025: “Stop-and-Go” FOLFOX Plus Panitumumab Strategy Extends Disease Control in RAS/BRAF w/t mCRC

    OPTIPRIME Trial at ESMO 2025: “Stop-and-Go” FOLFOX Plus Panitumumab Strategy Extends Disease Control in RAS/BRAF w/t mCRC

    At the ESMO Congress 2025 in Berlin, Dr. Jean-Baptiste Bachet (Paris, France) presented the final results of the phase II OPTIPRIME trial (Abstract 727MO), a multicentre French study evaluating a novel “stop-and-go” strategy combining FOLFOX and panitumumab (Pmab) in patients with RAS/BRAF wild-type metastatic colorectal cancer (mCRC).

    At OncoDaily GI, we spotlight the innovations reshaping colorectal cancer care — from adaptive treatment sequencing to intelligent use of targeted therapies to mitigate resistance and cumulative toxicity.

    Background

    Epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) blockade has long been a cornerstone of therapy in RAS/BRAF wild-type mCRC, delivering significant response rates and survival benefits. Yet, the cumulative toxicities associated with prolonged anti-EGFR exposure — particularly dermatologic and nail toxicities — often limit treatment duration. Furthermore, continuous EGFR inhibition can foster resistant subclones, potentially diminishing long-term efficacy.

    The OPTIPRIME trial was designed to test whether an intermittent (“stop-and-go”) use of panitumumab, alongside oxaliplatin-based chemotherapy, could maintain efficacy while improving tolerability and extending the duration of disease control (DDC) — a metric capturing both the initial and subsequent treatment phases under EGFR-targeted therapy.

    Study Design and Methods

    Conducted across 36 French centers between April 2018 and May 2023, OPTIPRIME enrolled 118 patients (mITT: 115 after excluding 3 with RAS or BRAF mutations). Eligible patients had previously untreated, measurable, RAS/BRAF wild-type mCRC with ECOG performance status 0–1.

    Treatment consisted of

    • Induction phase: 6 cycles of FOLFOX plus panitumumab
    • Maintenance phase: Fluoropyrimidine monotherapy (LV5FU2 or capecitabine) for patients achieving disease control
    • Reintroduction phase: Upon progression, reintroduction of panitumumab ± oxaliplatin for 6 cycles, repeated as needed (“stop-and-go”)

    The primary endpoint, DDC, was defined as the time from inclusion to radiological progression under EGFR therapy with chemotherapy or death. Patients undergoing R0/R1 metastasectomy were censored at surgery, and those switching therapy without progression were censored at the time of switch.

    The study was powered to detect an improvement from a median DDC of 14 months (H0) to 20 months (H1), with a 1-sided α of 5% and 80% power. The predefined threshold for success (upper critical value) was 17.84 months.

    Results

    After a median follow-up of 47.9 months, OPTIPRIME achieved its primary endpoint with a median DDC of 24.9 months (90 % CI 19.3–28.3), surpassing the predefined efficacy boundary. The overall response rate reached 74.8 %, reflecting substantial activity of the FOLFOX + panitumumab regimen.

    Most patients (83.5 %) entered at least one maintenance phase, and many underwent repeated reintroductions of panitumumab, illustrating the practical feasibility of this cyclic regimen. A subset (11 %) proceeded to metastasectomy with curative intent. At data cut-off, 69.6 % of patients had received subsequent second-line therapy.

    OPTIPRIME trial stop and go

    The median overall survival was 36.1 months (95 % CI 27.5–39.9), among the best reported for first-line mCRC in this molecular subgroup. Median progression-free survival (PFS) during the induction and first maintenance phase was 9.9 months (95% CI 8.3–11.1), confirming durable early disease control. These findings confirm that intermittent EGFR inhibition can sustain long-term disease control while preserving patient quality of life and delaying resistance.

    OPTIPRIME trial results

    Interpretation

    The OPTIPRIME trial successfully met its primary endpoint, validating a biologically rational and clinically practical strategy for optimizing EGFR-targeted therapy in mCRC. The median DDC of nearly 25 months underscores the durability achievable through treatment holidays, allowing patients to recover from toxicity while preserving future sensitivity to anti-EGFR agents.

    This “stop-and-go” model represents an important step forward in adaptive treatment design, addressing one of the key dilemmas in metastatic colorectal cancer: how to balance intensity, tolerance, and long-term benefit. It aligns with growing evidence from molecular studies showing that resistant EGFR clones can decay during drug-free intervals, restoring sensitivity upon rechallenge.

    Clinical Implications

    The OPTIPRIME findings strengthen the case for flexible, individualized sequencing of anti-EGFR therapy in mCRC. By alternating active and maintenance phases, clinicians can maintain high disease control rates while minimizing cumulative toxicity and optimizing quality of life.

    With median survival exceeding three years, the study underscores how thoughtful integration of targeted agents within an adaptive framework can meaningfully extend outcomes in metastatic colorectal cancer.

    You can read the full abstract here.

    Conclusion

    The OPTIPRIME phase II trial (NCT03584711) validates the clinical value of a “stop-and-go” panitumumab strategy in RAS/BRAF wild-type mCRC. By integrating periods of EGFR inhibition and maintenance fluoropyrimidine therapy, investigators achieved both prolonged disease control and strong overall survival, with improved tolerability.

    These results may inform future treatment paradigms emphasizing adaptive, toxicity-conscious sequencing of targeted agents — a principle likely to gain further traction as precision oncology continues to evolve.

    OPTIPRIME Trial at ESMO 2025: “Stop-and-Go” FOLFOX Plus Panitumumab Strategy Extends Disease Control in RAS/BRAF w/t mCRC

    You can read about PERISCOPE II Trial: Randomized study finds no OS advantage for gastrectomy plus CRS/HIPEC versus systemic therapy on OncoDaily.

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  • Infinatamab Deruxtecan Shows Encouraging CNS Activity in Extensive-Stage Small Cell Lung Cancer

    Infinatamab Deruxtecan Shows Encouraging CNS Activity in Extensive-Stage Small Cell Lung Cancer

    Infinatamab deruxtecan (I-DXd) demonstrated intracranial efficacy with acceptable safety in patients with extensive-stage small cell lung cancer (ES-SCLC) and baseline brain metastases, according to data from the primary analysis of the phase 2 IDeate-Lung01 trial (NCT05280470) presented during the 2025 ESMO Congress.1

    In those with baseline brain metastases (n = 65), the intracranial confirmed objective response rate (cORR) was 46.2% (95% CI, 33.7%-59.0%). Specifically, 30.8% of patients achieved a complete response (CR) as their best overall response, 15.4% experienced a partial response (PR), and 44.6% had stable disease (SD); 1.5% of patients experienced progressive disease (PD), and 7.7% were not evaluable (NE). The confirmed disease control rate (cDCR) was 90.8% (95% CI, 81.0%-96.5%). The median duration of response (DOR) was 6.2 months (95% CI, 4.0-7.9), and the median time to response (TTR) was 1.4 months (range, 0.9-8.5).

    Moreover, in patients who had not previously received brain radiotherapy for baseline brain metastases (n = 26), I-DXd elicited an intracranial cORR of 57.7% (95% CI, 36.9%-76.6%). In those with baseline brain target lesions (n = 29), the intracranial cORR with the agent was 65.5% (95% CI, 45.7%-82.1%), and the central nervous system (CNS) cDCR was 96.6% (95% CI, 82.2%-99.9%).

    “Intracranial efficacy with I-DXd [at] 12 mg/kg was promising, with 30.8% of patients achieving an intracranial CR, contributing to an intracranial cORR of 46.2% and DCR of 90.8%,” Pedro Simoes da Rocha, MD, PhD, said in a presentation of the data. Rocha is a medical oncologist at Vall d’Hebron University Hospital in Barcelona, Spain, and an International Association for the Study of Lung Cancer (IASLC) SCLC committee member.

    What Did IDeate-Lung01 Examine?

    The multicenter, randomized, open-label, phase 2 study included patients with histologically or cytologically documented ES-SCLC who were at least 18 years of age, had an ECOG performance status no higher than 1, and had previously received at least 1 but no more than 3 lines of platinum-based chemotherapy.2 Patients must have experienced radiologically documented disease progression on or after their most recent previous systemic treatment; they also needed to have at least 1 measurable lesion by RECIST 1.1 criteria. Those with asymptomatic brain metastases were allowed.

    For part 1 of the study, the dose-optimization portion of the research, patients were randomly assigned 1:1 to receive I-DXd at 8 mg/kg every 3 weeks (n = 46; arm 1) or at 12 mg/kg every 3 weeks. For part 2, the extension portion, the agent was further examined at the 12-mg/kg dose.

    The primary end point was ORR by blinded independent central review (BICR), and secondary end points included DOR, progression-free survival (PFS), DCR, and TTR by BICR and investigator assessment. Other end points comprised overall survival (OS), investigator-assessed ORR, safety, pharmacokinetics, and immunogenicity.

    Prior data from the IDeate-Lung01 study shared during the IASLC 2025 World Conference on Lung Cancer indicated that when I-DXd was given at a dose of 12 mg/kg every 3 weeks (n = 137), it elicited a systemic cORR of 48.2% (95% CI, 39.6%-56.9%). The DCR was 87.6% (95% CI, 80.9%-92.6%). The median TTR was 1.4 months (range, 1.0-8.1), and the median DOR was 5.3 months (95% CI, 4.0-6.5). Moreover, the median PFS was 4.9 months (95% CI, 4.2-5.5), and the median OS was 10.3 months (95% CI, 9.1-13.3).

    A subgroup analysis of patients with asymptomatic brain metastases identified by CNS BICR at study baseline was conducted and shared during the 2025 ESMO Congress.1 Brain CT or MRI was done at baseline for all patients. Those determined to have brain metastases had brain CT/MRI every 6 weeks for 36 weeks and every 12 weeks thereafter.

    What Did the Patient Population Look Like in IDeate-Lung01?

    Of the 137 total patients who received I-DXd at a dose of 12 mg/kg, 65 had baseline brain metastases, and 72 did not. Of those who did, 39 received prior brain radiotherapy, and 26 did not. A total of 29 patients had brain target lesions at baseline with a median size of 17 mm (range, 10-68); 15 of these patients had prior brain radiotherapy and 14 did not.

    The median patient age was 61.0 years (range, 39.0-76.0). Moreover, 80.0% of patients had an ECOG performance status of 1, and 20.0% had a status of 0. The median number of prior lines of systemic therapy received was 2 (range, 1-3).

    What Was Learned About the Systemic and Intracranial Efficacy of I-DXd in ES-SCLC?

    In those with baseline brain metastases, the agent led to a systemic cORR of 46.2% (95% CI, 33.7%-59.0%). Best overall responses included CR (1.5%), PR (44.6%), and SD (43.1%); 7.7% of patients had PD, and 3.1% were NE. The systemic cDCR was 89.2% (95% CI, 79.1%-95.6%), the median DOR was 4.3 months (95% CI, 3.0-5.8), the median TTR was 1.4 months (range, 1.0-8.1), the median PFS was 4.5 months (95% CI, 4.0-5.4) and the median OS was 10.4 months (range, 7.9-15.3).

    In those without baseline brain metastases (n = 72), the cORR with the agent was 50.0% (95% CI, 38.0%-62.0%) with best overall responses of CR in 2.8% of patients, PR in 47.2% of patients, and SD in 36.1% of patients; 6.9% of patients had PD, and 6.9% were NE. The cDCR in this group was 86.1% (95% CI, 75.9%-93.1%), the median DOR was 5.9 months (95% CI, 4.0-8.3), the median TTR was 1.4 months (range, 1.2-4.0), the median PFS was 5.4 months (95% CI, 4.2-6.7), and the median OS was 10.1 months (95% CI, 8.4-13.3).

    Concordance between systemic and CNS objective response was 75.4%, Rocha said, adding that the concordance between systemic and CNS disease control was 86.2%. “OS and PFS were similar for patients with and without baseline brain metastases,” he said.

    I-DXd showed intracranial efficacy irrespective of previous treatment for brain metastases at baseline. In those with prior radiotherapy (n = 39), the cORR was 38.5% (95% CI, 23.4%-55.4%); in those who received prior radiotherapy within 6 months prior to the study (n = 28), the cORR was 39.3% (95% CI, 21.5%-59.4%) and in those who received it 6 months or longer before study (n = 11), the cORR was 36.4% (95% CI, 10.9%-69.2%).

    “Progression in the brain was uncommon, suggesting that I-DXd may prevent brain metastases,” Rocha added. Among the 65 patients with baseline brain metastases, 35.4% experienced progression in the brain; in those who had not received prior radiotherapy (n = 26), this rate was 23.1%, and in those who had (n =39), this rate was 43.6%. In those without baseline brain metastases (n = 72), 12.5% experienced progression in the brain.

    The agent also elicited responses in those with brain target lesions at baseline (n = 29), he added. The CNS cORR in those without prior radiotherapy (n = 14) was 71.4% (95% CI, 41.9%-91.6%); in those with prior radiotherapy (n = 15), the CNS cORR was 60.0% (95% CI, 32.3%-83.7%). Concordance between systemic and CNS objective response was 69.0%, according to Rocha. The CNS DOR was 5.7 months (95% CI, 4.1-7.1) and the CNS TTR was 1.3 months (range, 0.9-3.0).

    What Is the Safety Profile of I-DXd in ES-SCLC and Baseline Brain Metastases?

    Any-grade treatment-related adverse effects (TRAEs) were experienced by 87.7% of patients with brain metastases at baseline (n = 65) and 91.7% of those without baseline brain metastases (n = 72); these effects were grade 3 or higher for 30.8% and 41.7% of patients, respectively. They were serious in 10.8% and 25.0% of cases. In those with baseline brain metastases, TRAEs led to dose delay, reduction, or treatment discontinuation for 23.1%, 15.4%, and 7.7% of patients; in those without baseline brain metastases, these rates were 27.8%, 15.3%, and 11.1%. TRAEs proved fatal for 1.5% and 6.9% of patients, respectively.

    The most common TRAEs experienced by at least 10% of patients with baseline brain metastases were nausea (any grade, 49.2%; grade ≥3, 1.5%), decreased appetite (32.3%; 1.5%), neutropenia (30.8%; 6.2%), anemia (27.7%; 7.7%), asthenia (23.1%; 1.5%), fatigue (20.0%; 3.1%), lymphopenia (20.0%; 12.3%), diarrhea (16.9%; 0%), leukopenia (15.4%; 0%), thrombocytopenia (13.8%; 6.2%), increased aspartate aminotransferase level (10.8%; 1.5%), constipation (10.8%; 0%), and pneumonitis (10.8%; 0%).

    What Is Next for I-DXd?

    The phase 3 IDeate-Lung02 study (NCT06203210) will be evaluating the intracranial activity of I-DXd vs physician’s choice of treatment in the form of topotecan, amrubicin, or lurbinectedin (Zepzelca) in patients with relapsed SCLC.3

    References

    1. Simoes da Rocha PF, Kim YJ, Han J-Y, et al. Intracranial activity of ifinatamab deruxtecan (I-DXd) in patients (pts) with extensive-stage (ES) small cell lung cancer (SCLC) and baseline (BL) brain metastases (BM): Primary analysis of IDeate-Lung01. Presented at: 2025 ESMO Congress; October 17-21, 2025; Berlin, Germany. Abstract 2760MO.
    2. Ahn M-J, Johnson ML, Paz-Ares L, et al. Ifinatamab deruxtecan (I-DXd) in extensive-stage small cell lung cancer: Primary analysis of the phase 2 IDeate-Lung 01 study. Presented at: International Association for the Study of Lung Cancer (IASLC) 2025 World Conference on Lung Cancer; September 6-9, 2025; Barcelona, Spain. Abstract OA06.03.
    3. A study of Ifinatamab deruxtecan versus treatment of physician’s choice in subjects with relapsed small cell lung cancer (IDeate-Lung02). Clinical Trials.gov. Updated August 7, 2025. Accessed October 18, 2025. https://clinicaltrials.gov/study/NCT06203210

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