TESARO Announces European Commission Approval of ZEJULA® for Women With Recurrent Ovarian Cancer
(Thomson Reuters ONE) -
* ZEJULA is the first PARP inhibitor approved in Europe for women with
recurrent ovarian cancer, regardless of BRCA mutation or biomarker status
* Approval supported by robust data from a randomized, well-controlled Phase
3 trial
* Only PARPi to offer once-daily, oral dosing to enable convenient
administration for maintenance treatment
* First commercial launches planned for Germany and the UK this December
ZUG, Switzerland, Nov. 20, 2017 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- TESARO, Inc. (NASDAQ:TSRO),
an oncology focused biopharmaceutical company, announced today that the European
Commission (EC) has granted marketing authorization for ZEJULA(®) (niraparib) as
a monotherapy for the maintenance treatment of adult patients with platinum-
sensitive relapsed high grade serous epithelial ovarian, fallopian tube, or
primary peritoneal cancer who are in complete response (CR) or partial response
(PR) to platinum-based chemotherapy. ZEJULA is the first once-daily, oral poly
(ADP-ribose) polymerase (PARP)1/2 inhibitor to be approved in Europe that does
not require BRCA mutation or other biomarker testing.
PDFs accompanying this announcement are available at
http://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/0697ad84-
510c-4ee8-8c22-0573cc9636ba
http://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/fe0edd53-67da-4259-84af-
b5e793b17db3
"We want to express our gratitude to all of the women who selflessly
participated in the ZEJULA clinical development program. I would also like to
thank our partners at ENGOT for their diligence in conducting the ENGOT-
OV16/NOVA trial, which was carried out with the highest level of scientific
rigor. The unique design of this trial, which included women both with and
without germline BRCA mutations, allowed us to independently determine that
ZEJULA provides significant progression-free survival improvement in a very
broad patient population," said Mary Lynne Hedley, Ph.D., President and Chief
Operating Officer of TESARO. "The EC approval of ZEJULA marks TESARO's second
product approval in Europe this year. We are committed to working with
healthcare providers, payers and patient groups to enable access to this
paradigm-changing treatment as quickly as possible."
ZEJULA was approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration on March 27, 2017
and is marketed by TESARO in the United States, where it is currently the most
frequently prescribed PARP inhibitor for patients with ovarian cancer. TESARO
plans to launch ZEJULA in Germany and the UK this December, with launches in
additional European countries to follow beginning in 2018, based on local
reimbursement and availability timelines. Germany and the UK are two of the 17
countries where TESARO currently has a direct presence in Europe.
"Today's approval of ZEJULA is an exciting step forward for the ovarian cancer
community in Europe. While platinum-based chemotherapy has proven to be
effective, its efficacy unfortunately diminishes over time, and progression-free
survival becomes shorter after each successive platinum treatment," said Mansoor
Raza Mirza, M.D., ENGOT-OV16/NOVA Study Chair and Chief Oncologist at
Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen. "ZEJULA now provides an opportunity to increase
progression-free survival after platinum therapy, and will have a profound
impact for women and their families."
The EC approval of ZEJULA was based on data from the clinically rigorous ENGOT-
OV16/NOVA trial, a double-blind, placebo-controlled, international Phase 3 study
of ZEJULA that enrolled 553 patients with recurrent ovarian cancer who had
achieved either a PR or CR to their most recent platinum-based chemotherapy. The
primary endpoint of the trial was progression free survival (PFS). Approximately
two-thirds of study participants did not have germline BRCA mutations.
Progression in the NOVA study was determined by a robust, unbiased, blinded
central review to be the earlier of radiographic or clinical progression. ZEJULA
significantly increased PFS in patients with or without germline BRCA mutations
as compared to the control arm. Treatment with ZEJULA reduced the risk of
disease progression or death by 73% in patients with germline BRCA mutations
(hazard ration (HR) 0.27) and by 55% in patients without germline BRCA mutations
(HR 0.45). The magnitude of benefit was similar for patients entering the trial
with a PR or a CR.
"With the introduction of ZEJULA, treatment of women with recurrent ovarian
cancer will improve markedly," said Professor Dr. Andreas Du Bois, Center
Director of Gynecology & Gynecologic Oncology, Kliniken Essen-Mitte (Germany)
and Co-Founder and Past Chair of the European Network of Gynecological
Oncological Trial Groups (ENGOT). "Patients and their physicians are now
empowered with an additional option to utilize after a response to chemotherapy,
regardless of BRCA mutation status, where the previous alternative for most was
a period of watching and waiting instead of actively controlling their disease."
The approved starting dose of ZEJULA is 300 milligrams once per day. According
to the European summary of product characteristics (SmPC), in patients below 58
kilograms, a starting dose of 200 milligrams once per day may be considered. The
most commonly administered dose of ZEJULA over the course of the Phase 3 NOVA
clinical trial was 200 milligrams once per day, following dose modification.
Further exploratory analyses of the NOVA study indicated that individual dose
modification maintained efficacy and reduced the rate of new adverse events(1).
The most common grade 3/4 adverse reactions to ZEJULA included thrombocytopenia
(34%), anemia (25%), neutropenia (20%), and hypertension (8%). Following dose
adjustment based on individual tolerability, the incidence of grade 3/4
thrombocytopenia was low, approximately 1% after month three. The majority of
hematologic adverse events were successfully managed via dose modification, and
discontinuation of therapy due to thrombocytopenia, neutropenia and anemia
occurred in 3%, 2% and 1% of patients, respectively.
"We welcome the decision by the EC to approve ZEJULA for women with recurrent
ovarian cancer," said Elisabeth Baugh, Chair of the World Ovarian Cancer
Coalition. "This decision will have a real and meaningful impact on women's
lives, providing them a new treatment option and greater choice. Globally, we
are lacking effective treatments for ovarian cancer, so this is a much-needed
addition."
About the ZEJULA(®) (niraparib) ENGOT-OV16/NOVA Clinical Trial
ENGOT-OV16/NOVA was a double-blind, placebo-controlled, international Phase 3
trial of niraparib that enrolled 553 patients with recurrent ovarian cancer who
were in a response to their most recent platinum-based chemotherapy. Patients
were enrolled into one of two independent cohorts based on
germline BRCA mutation status. One cohort enrolled patients who were
germline BRCA mutation carriers (gBRCAmut), and the second cohort enrolled
patients who were not germline BRCA mutation carriers (non-gBRCAmut) and
included patients with HRD-positive and HRD-negative tumors. Within each cohort,
patients were randomized 2:1 to receive niraparib or placebo and were treated
continuously with placebo or 300 milligrams of niraparib, dosed as three 100
milligram tablets once per day, until progression. The primary endpoint of this
study was progression-free survival (PFS). Secondary endpoints included patient-
reported outcomes, chemotherapy-free interval length, PFS 2, overall survival,
and other measures of safety and tolerability. More information about this
trial is available at http://clinicaltrials.gov/show/NCT01847274.
Among patients who were germline BRCA mutation carriers, the niraparib arm
successfully achieved statistical significance over the control arm for the
primary endpoint of PFS, with a HR of 0.26 (95% CI, 0.173-0.410). The median PFS
for patients treated with niraparib was 21.0 months, compared to 5.5 months for
control (p<0.0001). Niraparib also showed statistical significance for patients
in the non-germline BRCA mutation cohort. The niraparib arm successfully
achieved statistical significance over the control arm for the primary endpoint
of PFS, with a HR of 0.45 (95% CI, 0.338-0.607). The median PFS for patients
treated with niraparib was 9.3 months, compared to 3.9 months for control
(p<0.0001). Secondary endpoint analyses, including chemotherapy-free interval,
time to first subsequent treatment, and PFS 2 were all statistically significant
and favored niraparib over control for patients in both the gBRCAmut and non-
gBRCAmut cohorts. Patient-reported outcome results from validated survey tools
indicated that niraparib-treated patients reported no difference from control in
measures associated with quality of life.
The full results of the ENGOT-OV16/NOVA trial were presented in detail at the
European Society for Medical Oncology (ESMO) 2016 Congress in Copenhagen on
October 8, 2016 by Dr. Mansoor Raza Mirza, M.D., Medical Director of the Nordic
Society of Gynecologic Oncology (NSGO) and Principal Investigator. These data
were simultaneously published in the New England Journal of Medicine.
Select Important Safety Information
Myelodysplastic Syndrome/Acute Myeloid Leukemia (MDS/AML) was reported in
patients treated with ZEJULA. Discontinue ZEJULA if MDS/AML is confirmed.
Hematologic adverse reactions (thrombocytopenia, anemia and neutropenia) have
been reported in patients treated with ZEJULA. Monitor complete blood counts
(CBCs) weekly for the first month of treatment and modify the dose as needed.
After the first month, it is recommended to monitor CBCs for the next 10 months
of treatment, and periodically after this time. Based on individual laboratory
values, weekly monitoring for the second month may be warranted.
Hypertension and hypertensive crisis have been reported in patients treated with
ZEJULA. Pre-existing hypertension should be adequately controlled before
starting ZEJULA. Monitor blood pressure monthly for the first year and
periodically thereafter during treatment with ZEJULA. ZEJULA should be
discontinued in case of hypertensive crisis or if medically significant
hypertension cannot be adequately controlled with antihypertensive therapy.
Based on its mechanism of action, ZEJULA can cause fetal harm. Advise females
of reproductive potential of the possible risk to a fetus and to use effective
contraception during treatment and for six months after receiving the final
dose. Because of the potential for serious adverse reactions in breastfed
infants from ZEJULA, advise a lactating woman not to breastfeed during treatment
with ZEJULA and for one month after receiving the final dose.
In clinical studies, the most common adverse reactions included:
thrombocytopenia, anemia, neutropenia, nausea, constipation, vomiting, abdominal
pain, diarrhea, dyspepsia, urinary tract infection, fatigue/asthenia, decreased
appetite, headache, dizziness, dysgeusia, palpitations, insomnia,
nasopharyngitis, dyspnea, cough, and hypertension.
Additional Clinical Trials of Niraparib
TESARO is building a robust niraparib franchise by assessing activity across
multiple tumor types and by evaluating several potential combinations of
niraparib with other therapeutics. The ongoing development program for niraparib
includes a Phase 3 trial in patients who have received first-line treatment for
ovarian cancer (the PRIMA trial) and a registrational Phase 2 trial in patients
who have received multiple lines of treatment for ovarian cancer
(the QUADRA trial). Several combination studies are also underway, including
trials of niraparib plus pembrolizumab (the TOPACIO trial) and niraparib plus
bevacizumab (the AVANOVA trial).
Additional trials of niraparib in ovarian, breast and lung cancers are planned.
The studies will assess the effect of niraparib alone and in combination with
other therapies in a variety of treatment settings.
Janssen Biotech has licensed rights to develop and commercialize niraparib
specifically for patients with prostate cancer worldwide, except in Japan.
About Ovarian Cancer in Europe
Europe has one of the highest incidences of ovarian cancer in the world with
approximately 45,000 women diagnosed each year(2)(,[3]). Ovarian cancer affects
approximately 1.3 in 10,000 people in the European Union, where it is the sixth-
most common cancer and the fifth-most frequent cause of cancer death among
women2(,[4]). Despite high initial response rates to platinum-based
chemotherapy, approximately 85% of women with advanced ovarian cancer will
experience a recurrence of the disease after first-line treatment(5). The
efficacy of chemotherapy also diminishes over time.
About ZEJULA (niraparib)
ZEJULA is a once-daily, oral poly (ADP-ribose) polymerase (PARP) 1/2 inhibitor
that is indicated in the European Union as a monotherapy for the maintenance
treatment of adult patients with platinum-sensitive relapsed high grade serous
epithelial ovarian, fallopian tube, or primary peritoneal cancer who are in a
complete or partial response to platinum-based chemotherapy. In preclinical
studies, ZEJULA concentrates in the tumor relative to plasma, delivering greater
than 90% durable inhibition of PARP 1/2 and a persistent antitumor effect.
About TESARO
TESARO is an oncology-focused biopharmaceutical company devoted to providing
transformative therapies to people bravely facing cancer. For more information,
visit www.tesarobio.com and follow us on Twitter and LinkedIn.
Forward Looking Statements
To the extent that statements contained in this press release are not
descriptions of historical facts regarding TESARO, they are forward-looking
statements reflecting the current beliefs and expectations of management made
pursuant to the safe harbor provisions of the Private Securities Litigation
Reform Act of 1995. Words such as "may," "will," "expect," "anticipate,"
"estimate," "intend," and similar expressions (as well as other words or
expressions referencing future events, conditions or circumstances) are intended
to identify forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements in this
release involve substantial risks and uncertainties that could cause our
commercial launch efforts, clinical development programs, future results,
performance or achievements to differ significantly from those expressed or
implied by the forward-looking statements. Such risks and uncertainties include,
among others, risks associated with timing for successful ZEJULA commercial
launch in specific European countries, competition, risks related to pricing and
reimbursement, risks related to manufacturing and supply, risks related to
intellectual property, and other risks and uncertainties that could affect the
availability or commercial potential of ZEJULA in Europe. TESARO undertakes no
obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements. For a further
description of the risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to
differ from those expressed in these forward-looking statements, as well as
risks relating to the business of the Company in general, see TESARO's Annual
Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2016 and Quarterly Report on
Form 10-Q for the quarter ended September 30, 2017.
Global Media & Investor Contact:
Jennifer Davis
Vice President, Corporate Communications & Investor Relations
+1.781.325.1116 or jdavis(at)tesarobio.com
Ex-U.S. Media Contact:
Shannon Altimari
Head of Corporate Affairs, International
+41 (0) 41 588 08 68 or saltimari(at)tesarobio.com
________________________________________
(1) Wang J et al. The Exposure-Response Relationship of Niraparib in Patients
with gBRCAmut and Non-gBRCAmut: Results from the ENGOT-OV16/NOVA Trial. ESMO;
2017 Sep 8-12; Madrid, Spain.
(2) World Cancer Research Fund International. http://www.wcrf.org/int/cancer-
facts-figures/data-specific-cancers/ovarian-cancer-statistics (Last accessed 18
November 2017)
(3) EUCAN http://eco.iarc.fr/eucan/Country.aspx?ISOCountryCd=930 (Last accessed
18 November 2017)
(4) ENGAGe, Ovarian Cancer Fact
Sheet. https://engage.esgo.org/media/2017/08/ENGAGe_What_is_ovarian_cancer_en_V0
1.pdf (Last accessed 18 November 2017)
(5) Lorusso, D., Mancini, M., Di Rocco, R., Fontanelli, R., & Raspagliesi, F.
(2012). The role of secondary surgery in recurrent ovarian cancer. International
Journal of Surgical Oncology
This announcement is distributed by Nasdaq Corporate Solutions on behalf of Nasdaq Corporate Solutions clients.
The issuer of this announcement warrants that they are solely responsible for the content, accuracy and originality of the information contained therein.
Source: TESARO, Inc. via GlobeNewswire
Unternehmensinformation / Kurzprofil:
Datum: 20.11.2017 - 13:00 Uhr
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