Secura Bio Announces New Data Regarding the Combination of FARYDAK® (panobinostat) with Subcutaneous Bortezomib and Dexamethasone

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Feb 02, 2021, 09:00 ET

LAS VEGAS, Feb. 2, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Secura Bio, Inc. ("SBI") – (www.securabio.com), an integrated, commercial-stage pharmaceutical company dedicated to the worldwide development and commercialization of impactful oncology therapies, today announces the publication of new data confirming the efficacy of the approved dose/schedule of FARYDAK^® and demonstrating a considerably improved safety profile for FARYDAK in combination with subcutaneous ("SC") bortezomib (as opposed to intravenous administration) and oral dexamethasone.

Panobinostat ("Pano"), an oral pan-histone deacetylase inhibitor, is approved for the treatment of relapsed or relapsed/refractory multiple myeloma in combination with bortezomib (Velcade^®) and dexamethasone in patients who have received ≥2 prior lines of therapy, including bortezomib and an immunomodulatory agent ("IMiD"). The original registrational trial, PANORAMA-1, used intravenous ("IV") bortezomib, and demonstrated a significant progression-free survival benefit with FARYDAK / bortezomib / dexamethasone (FVd) as compared with placebo / bortezomib / dexamethasone (Vd); adverse events ("AEs") were expectedly reported as being more frequent with FVd (San-Miguel J. et al., Lancet Oncol. 20). A new study, PANORAMA-3, was undertaken to optimize FVd dosing by investigating three different Pano regimens with SC bortezomib (and oral dexamethasone).

In an oral poster presentation at the American Society of Hematology and in a subsequent publication in Lancet Oncology, results were reported for PANORAMA-3: Efficacy and Safety of the FVd combination in Relapsed or Relapsed/Refractory Multiple Myeloma. This study was a randomized, open-label, international, multicenter phase 2 study.

Eligible patients were ≥18 years old with 1‒4 prior lines of therapy, including an IMiD. Patients primarily refractory to bortezomib were excluded. Patients were randomized 1:1:1 to Pano 20 mg three times weekly (TIW; the currently approved dosing regimen); Pano 20 mg twice weekly (BIW), or Pano 10 mg three times weekly (TIW), all administered in 21-day cycles. Randomization was stratified by number of prior treatment lines (1 vs 2 vs 3 or 4) and by age at screening (≤75 vs >75 years). For Cycles 1–4, all patients ≤75 years old received SC bortezomib 1.3 mg/m² BIW and oral dexamethasone 20 mg on the day of and day after bortezomib injection. Patients aged ≤75 years from Cycle 5 onwards, and patients >75 years for all cycles, received SC bortezomib 1.3 mg/m² once weekly (QW) and oral dexamethasone 20 mg on the day of and day after bortezomib injection.

Patients were treated until progressive disease or death, or until discontinuation due to toxicity or withdrawal of consent. The primary endpoint was overall response rate (ORR; IMWG 2011 criteria) after up to 8 treatment cycles by Independent Review Committee assessment. Secondary endpoints included best response, time to response (TTR), duration of response (DOR), and safety.

Pano 20mg TIW dosing demonstrated efficacy results comparable to and more durable than those seen in PANORAMA-1, with an ORR of 62.2% (N=78), compared to 60.7% (n=387) in PANORAMA 1; and a median duration of response of 22 months, compared to 13.1 months in PANORAMA 1. For the 20mg TIW group, the incidence of diarrhea across all grades was 66.5% (versus 68% in PANORAMA-1), with Grade >3 diarrhea occurring in 11.5% of patients (versus 25% in PANORAMA-1). Further details of the efficacy and safety results can be found HERE for the ASH abstract and HERE for the Lancet Oncology paper.

The conclusion of the authors was that the 20 mg TIW and 20 mg BIW dosing regimens provided favorable outcomes, with the most durable and deepest responses observed in the 20 mg TIW arm. As noted in part above, rates of several important AEs, including severe diarrhea, with Pano 20 mg TIW were considerably lower in PANORAMA-3 than those observed with the same dosing regimen in PANORAMA- 1, suggesting SC administration of bortezomib meaningfully improves tolerability of the triplet, as compared with IV administration. All three regimens of FVd proved generally manageable. Pano 20 mg TIW yielded the greatest durable efficacy, most notably a median DOR of 22 months.

About Secura Bio, Inc.

Secura Bio is an integrated, commercial-stage pharmaceutical company dedicated to the worldwide commercialization of impactful oncology therapies for physicians and their patients. For more information on Secura Bio, please visit www.securabio.com

About FARYDAK (panobinostat)

INDICATION

FARYDAK^® (panobinostat) capsules, a histone deacetylase inhibitor, in combination with bortezomib and dexamethasone, is indicated for the treatment of patients with multiple myeloma who have received at least 2 prior regimens, including bortezomib and an immunomodulatory agent. This indication is approved under accelerated approval based on progression-free survival. Continued approval for this indication may be contingent upon verification and description of clinical benefit in confirmatory trials

IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION

WARNING: FATAL AND SERIOUS TOXICITIES: SEVERE DIARRHEA AND CARDIAC TOXICITIES

Severe diarrhea occurred in 25% of FARYDAK treated patients. Monitor for symptoms, institute anti-diarrheal treatment, interrupt FARYDAK and then reduce dose or discontinue FARYDAK.

Severe and fatal cardiac ischemic events, severe arrhythmias, and ECG changes have occurred in patients receiving FARYDAK. Arrhythmias may be exacerbated by electrolyte abnormalities. Obtain ECG and electrolytes at baseline and periodically during treatment as clinically indicated.

Diarrhea

Severe diarrhea occurred in 25% of patients treated with FARYDAK^® (panobinostat) capsules. Diarrhea of any grade occurred in 68% of patients treated with FARYDAK compared with 42% of patients in the control arm. Diarrhea can occur at any time. Ensure patients have antidiarrheal medications on hand, and initiate antidiarrheal medication at the onset of diarrhea
Monitor hydration status and electrolyte blood levels at baseline, and weekly (or more often as clinically indicated) during therapy, and correct to prevent dehydration and electrolyte disturbances
Interrupt FARYDAK at the onset of moderate diarrhea (4-6 stools/day
For life-threatening diarrhea (grade 4), permanently discontinue FARYDAK and bortezomib
For severe diarrhea (≥7 stools/day), or IV fluids or hospitalization required (grade 3), interrupt FARYDAK and bortezomib until resolved and restart both at reduced doses
For moderate diarrhea (4-6 stools/day, grade 2), interrupt FARYDAK until resolved and restart at same dose. Consider interruption of bortezomib until resolved and restart at same dose

Cardiac Toxicities

Arrhythmias occurred in 12% of patients treated with FARYDAK compared with 5% of patients in the control arm. Cardiac ischemic events occurred in 4% of patients treated with FARYDAK compared with 1% of patients in the control arm
Do not initiate FARYDAK treatment in patients with history of recent myocardial infarction or unstable angina
ECG abnormalities such as ST-segment depression and T-wave abnormalities occurred more frequently in patients receiving FARYDAK compared with the control arm: 22% vs 4% and 40% vs 18%, respectively
FARYDAK may prolong QT interval. Do not initiate treatment with FARYDAK in patients with a QTcF >450 msec or clinically significant baseline ST-segment or T-wave abnormalities
Arrhythmias may be exacerbated by electrolyte abnormalities. If during treatment with FARYDAK, the QTcF increases to ≥480 msec, interrupt treatment. Correct any electrolyte abnormalities. If QT prolongation does not resolve, permanently discontinue treatment. Obtain ECG at baseline and periodically during treatment. Monitor electrolytes during treatment with FARYDAK, and correct abnormalities as clinically indicated

Hemorrhage

Fatal and serious cases of gastrointestinal and pulmonary hemorrhage occurred
In the phase 3 registration trial, 5 patients receiving FARYDAK, compared with 1 patient in the control arm, died due to a hemorrhagic event. All 5 patients had grade ≥3 thrombocytopenia at the time of the event
Grade 3/4 hemorrhage was reported in 4% of patients treated with FARYDAK and 2% of patients in the control arm
Monitor platelet counts and transfuse as needed

Myelosuppression

FARYDAK causes myelosuppression including severe thrombocytopenia, neutropenia, and anemia. Obtain a baseline CBC, and monitor the CBC weekly during treatment (or more often if clinically indicated or in patients >65 years of age)
Thrombocytopeni

In the phase 3 registration trial, 67% of patients treated with FARYDAK developed Grade 3/4 thrombocytopenia compared with 31% in the control arm
Thrombocytopenia led to treatment interruption and/or dose modification in 31% of patients receiving FARYDAK
For patients receiving FARYDAK, 33% required platelet transfusion
For patients with platelet count <50 x 10⁹/L with bleeding (grade 3) or <25 x 10⁹/L (grade 4)

Interrupt FARYDAK therapy and monitor platelets at least weekly until ≥50 x 10⁹/L, and restart at reduced dose
Interrupt bortezomib until thrombocytopenia resolves ≥50 x 10⁹/L

If only 1 dose of bortezomib was omitted prior to correction to these levels, restart bortezomib at same dose
If ≥2 doses were omitted consecutively, or within the same cycle, restart at a reduced dose

For patients with platelet count <50 x 10⁹/L (grade 3), maintain FARYDAK and bortezomib doses and monitor platelet counts at least weekly
For patients with severe thrombocytopenia, consider platelet transfusions
Discontinue FARYDAK if thrombocytopenia does not improve despite the recommended treatment modifications or if repeated platelet transfusions are required

Neutropenia

Severe neutropenia occurred in 34% of patients treated with FARYDAK compared with 11% of patients in the control arm
Neutropenia led to treatment interruption and/or dose modification in 10% of patients receiving FARYDAK
Use of granulocyte-colony stimulating factor (G-CSF) was 13% in patients treated with FARYDAK® (panobinostat) capsules
For patients with ANC <0.5 x 10⁹/L (grade 4)

Interrupt FARYDAK and bortezomib therapy until ANC is ≥1.0 x 10⁹/L. Restart FARYDAK at reduced dose
If only 1 dose of bortezomib was omitted prior to correction to these levels, restart at same dose. If ≥2 doses of bortezomib were omitted consecutively, or within the same cycle, restart at reduced dose

For patients with ANC <1.0 x 10⁹/L (grade 3) and febrile neutropenia (any grade)

Interrupt FARYDAK and bortezomib therapy until febrile neutropenia is resolved and ANC >1.0 x 10⁹/L
Restart FARYDAK at reduced dose
If only 1 dose of bortezomib was omitted prior to correction to these levels, restart at same dose. If ≥2 doses of bortezomib were omitted consecutively, or within the same cycle, restart at reduced dose

For patients with ≥2 occurrences of ANC between 0.5 – 0.75 x 10⁹/L (grade 3)

Interrupt FARYDAK therapy until ANC ≥1.0 x 10⁹/L, and restart at same dose
Maintain bortezomib dose

For patients with ANC between 0.75 – 1.0 x 10⁹/L (grade 3)

Maintain FARYDAK and bortezomib doses

For grade 3 or 4 neutropenia, consider dose reduction and/or the use of growth factors
Discontinue FARYDAK if neutropenia does not improve despite dose modifications, CSF, or in case of severe infection

Anemia

For patients with hemoglobin <8 g/dL (grade 3), interrupt FARYDAK until hemoglobin ≥10 g/dL. Restart at reduced dose

Infections

Severe infections occurred in 31% of patients (including 10 deaths) treated with FARYDAK compared with 24% of patients (including 6 deaths) in the control arm
FARYDAK treatment should not be initiated in patients with active infections
Monitor patients for signs and symptoms of infections during treatment; if a diagnosis of infection is made, institute appropriate anti-infective treatment promptly and consider interruption or discontinuation of FARYDAK

Hepatotoxicity

Hepatic dysfunction, primarily elevations in aminotransferases and total bilirubin, occurred in patients treated with FARYDAK
Monitor liver function prior to and regularly during treatment. If abnormal liver function tests are observed, consider dose adjustments. Follow patient until values return to normal or pretreatment levels
Avoid use in patients with severe hepatic impairment
Reduce the starting dose of FARYDAK to 15 mg or 10 mg in patients with mild or moderate hepatic impairment, respectively

Embryo-Fetal Toxicity

FARYDAK can cause fetal harm when administered to a pregnant woman
If FARYDAK is used during pregnancy, or if the patient becomes pregnant while taking FARYDAK, the patient should be apprised of the potential hazard to the fetus
Advise females of reproductive potential to avoid becoming pregnant while taking FARYDAK
Advise sexually active females of reproductive potential to use effective contraception while taking FARYDAK, and for at least 3 months after the last dose of FARYDAK
Advise sexually active men to use condoms while on treatment, and for at least 6 months after their last dose of FARYDAK

DRUG INTERACTIONS

Reduce dose to 10 mg when coadministered with strong CYP3A inhibitors. Instruct patients to avoid star fruit, pomegranate or pomegranate juice, and grapefruit or grapefruit juice
Avoid the concomitant use of strong CYP3A inducers
Avoid coadministration with sensitive CYP2D6 substrates or CYP2D6 substrates that have a narrow therapeutic index. If concomitant use of CYP2D6 substrates is unavoidable, monitor patients frequently for adverse reactions
Concomitant use of antiarrhythmic medicines, and other drugs that are known to prolong the QT interval, is not recommended. Antiemetic drugs with known QT-prolonging risk can be used with frequent ECG monitoring

ADVERSE REACTIONS

The most common adverse reactions (incidence of at least 20%) in clinical studies are diarrhea, fatigue, nausea, peripheral edema, decreased appetite, pyrexia, and vomiting
The most common nonhematologic laboratory abnormalities (incidence ≥40%) are hypocalcemia, hypophosphatemia, hypoalbuminemia, hypokalemia, hyponatremia, and increased creatinine. The most common hematologic laboratory abnormalities (incidence ≥60%) are thrombocytopenia, lymphopenia, leukopenia, neutropenia, and anemia
Serious adverse events (SAEs) occurred in 60% of patients in the FARYDAK arm. The most frequent (≥5%) treatment-emergent SAEs reported for patients treated with FARYDAK were pneumonia, diarrhea, thrombocytopenia, fatigue, and sepsis

Please see full Prescribing Information, including Boxed WARNING, for FARYDAK® (panobinostat) capsules.

Velcade^® is a registered trademark of Takada Pharmaceutical Company Ltd.