Full Press Release Details
THOUSAND OAKS, Calif. , Nov. 9, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- Amgen (NASDAQ: AMGN ) today announced the first presentation of AMG 757 Phase 1 clinical safety and efficacy data in relapsed or refractory small cell lung cancer (SCLC). AMG 757 is an investigational half-life extended (HLE) bispecific T cell engager (BiTE ® ) molecule targeting delta-like ligand 3 (DLL3). The DLL3 protein is overexpressed on the cell surface of SCLC tumors and minimally expressed in normal tissues. 1 Data will be featured during a live oral presentation on Nov. 12 at the Society for Immunotherapy of Cancer's (SITC) 35 th Annual Meeting being held virtually.
"These AMG 757 proof of concept data in small cell lung cancer and the recently presented AMG 160 data in prostate cancer provide encouraging evidence of the BiTE platform's clinical activity in solid tumors," said David M. Reese , M.D., executive vice president of Research and Development at Amgen. "AMG 757 is a half-life extended BiTE immuno-oncology molecule targeting DLL3, which is an attractive target due to its differential expression in small cell lung cancer. Small cell lung cancer is a large unmet medical need globally, and yet treatment options have not advanced significantly in decades."
This interim analysis of the Phase 1 dose escalation study evaluated 40 patients with relapsed/refractory SCLC at a dose of up to 10 mg every two weeks. In this study, AMG 757 demonstrated an acceptable safety profile and showed preliminary evidence of anti-tumor activity. Among 38 patients with evaluable disease, 16% (6) had confirmed partial response, 29% (11) had stable disease, and 3% (1) had unconfirmed partial response. Five of the six responses are on-going with a median follow-up of 8.8 months. The maximum tolerated dose for AMG 757 has not been reached and dosing optimization is ongoing.
Cytokine release syndrome (CRS) was the most common treatment-related adverse event (AE) reported in 43% (17) of patients. All CRS events were grade 1 (30%) or 2 (13%), typically occurred in cycle 1, and did not recur in subsequent cycles. All CRS events were reversible, manageable, and did not lead to treatment interuptions or discontinations.
"Small cell lung cancer is an aggressive cancer resulting in poor prognosis for patients. Current platinum-based chemotherapy and immunotherapy options have limited benefit in patients with small cell lung cancer, leaving patients in need of novel therapeutic options," said Hossein Borghaei , DO, MS, chief of thoracic medical oncology at Fox Chase Cancer Center. "These early data of AMG 757 are encouraging for a BiTE immuno-oncology molecule that targets DLL3 in small cell lung cancer."
Additional Data Presentations Data on IMLYGIC ® (talimogene laherparepvec) will be featured during an oral presentation. Data on AMG 404, AMG 160, and AMG 509 will be presented as poster presentations. More information can be found on the SITC website here .
About BiTE ® Technology BiTE ® (bispecific T cell engager) technology is a targeted immuno-oncology platform that is designed to engage patient's own T cells to any tumor-associated antigen, activating the cytotoxic potential of T cells to eliminate detectable cancer. The BiTE immuno-oncology platform has the potential to treat different tumor types through tumor-associated antigens. The BiTE platform has a goal of leading to off-the-shelf solutions, which have the potential to make innovative T cell treatment available to all providers when their patients need it. Amgen is advancing more than a dozen BiTE molecules across a broad range of hematologic malignancies and solid tumors, further investigating BiTE technology with the goal of enhancing patient experience and therapeutic potential. To learn more about BiTE technology, visit www.AmgenBiTETechnology.com .
About IMLYGIC ® (talimogene laherparepvec) IMLYGIC is a genetically modified herpes simplex type 1 virus that is injected directly into tumors. IMLYGIC replicates inside tumor cells and produces GM-CSF, an immunostimulatory protein. IMLYGIC then causes the cell to rupture and die in a process called lysis. The rupture of the cancer cells causes the release of tumor-derived antigens, which together with virally derived GM-CSF may help to promote an anti-tumor immune response. The exact mechanism of action continues to be investigated.
IMLYGIC is the first and only oncolytic viral therapy approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), the European Medicines Agency (EMA), and other regulatory authorities, based on therapeutic benefit demonstrated in a pivotal Phase 3 study. IMLYGIC is indicated for the local treatment of melanoma in patients with unresectable cutaneous, subcutaneous, or nodal lesions after initial surgery.
The IMLYGIC clinical program continues to investigate the role of IMLYGIC both as monotherapy and in combination with other therapies across a variety of cancers and treatment settings.
INDICATION & LIMITATIONS OF USE IMLYGIC ® (talimogene laherparepvec) is a genetically modified oncolytic viral therapy indicated for the local treatment of unresectable cutaneous, subcutaneous, and nodal lesions in patients with melanoma recurrent after initial surgery.
Limitations of use: IMLYGIC ® has not been shown to improve overall survival or have an effect on visceral metastases.
IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION
Contraindications
Warnings and Precautions
Adverse Reactions
The most common Grade 3 or higher adverse reaction was cellulitis. Please see www.Imlygic.com for full Prescribing Information, including Medication Guide.
About Amgen Oncology Amgen Oncology is searching for and finding answers to incredibly complex questions that will advance care and improve lives for cancer patients and their families. Our research drives us to understand the disease in the context of the patient's life – not just their cancer journey – so they can take control of their lives.
For the last four decades, we have been dedicated to discovering the firsts that matter in oncology and to finding ways to reduce the burden of cancer. Building on our heritage, Amgen continues to advance the largest pipeline in the Company's history, moving with great speed to advance those innovations for the patients who need them.
At Amgen, we are driven by our commitment to transform the lives of cancer patients and keep them at the center of everything we do.
About Amgen Amgen is committed to unlocking the potential of biology for patients suffering from serious illnesses by discovering, developing, manufacturing and delivering innovative human therapeutics. This approach begins by using tools like advanced human genetics to unravel the complexities of disease and understand the fundamentals of human biology.
Amgen focuses on areas of high unmet medical need and leverages its expertise to strive for solutions that improve health outcomes and dramatically improve people's lives. A biotechnology pioneer since 1980, Amgen has grown to be one of the world's leading independent biotechnology companies, has reached millions of patients around the world and is developing a pipeline of medicines with breakaway potential.
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