Brain Abscess

点击上方的 行舟Drug ▲ 添加关注 近年来，肿瘤诊疗技术快速发展，靶向治疗、免疫治疗、代谢治疗、基因治疗等肿瘤治疗产品不断获批上市。抗肿瘤新疗法为患者提供了更加个体化的治疗方案，具有更好的临床疗效，但嵌合抗原受体-T细胞（CAR-T）药物、抗体偶联药物（ADC）等多种抗肿瘤新药被报道具有神经系统不良反应，可导致中枢和周围神经系统损伤，神经毒性作为抗肿瘤药物主要的剂量限制性副作用，依然是抗肿瘤新药研究及临床转化的一大障碍。传统化疗药物主要诱发周围神经病变，其神经毒性不但与其原有细胞毒性有关，也涉及轴突损伤、神经炎症、氧化应激等多个过程[1]。细胞治疗药物、基因治疗药物、抗体类治疗药物等新型抗肿瘤药物除了可能导致周围神经病变外，还可能引起其他类型的神经系统问题。一些新型抗肿瘤疗法通过激活机体免疫发挥治疗作用，部分被激活的免疫细胞和细胞因子能够更好地穿过血脑屏障，增加中枢神经毒性风险；癌症治疗也可能通过多种机制引起继发性中枢神经系统损伤，如药物治疗引起的免疫抑制可导致脑膜炎、多瘤病毒重激活[2]。此外，传统化疗药物与新型抗肿瘤药物的治疗措施也有所不同。本文就抗肿瘤药物神经毒性评估及新型抗肿瘤药物神经毒性临床表现、毒性机制、治疗措施的研究进展进行总结分析，为临床新型抗肿瘤药物的安全使用提供参考。 1  抗肿瘤药物神经毒性评估的一般原则 1.1  临床评估 神经毒性是抗肿瘤药物常见的不良反应之一，及早识别治疗相关的神经毒性，可及时改善神经系统症状，避免永久性神经损伤和非必要的治疗终止。抗肿瘤药物的神经毒性评估是一种排除性诊断[2]，确定神经毒性是否由癌症治疗引起，首先要了解药物治疗和毒性作用之间是否存在时间关系，排除与癌症转移以及其他神经系统疾病相关的神经症状，核磁共振成像和腰椎穿刺脑脊液检查有助于排除其他原因来评估可能与治疗相关的神经毒性。以传统化疗药物为例，确定患者是否患有化疗诱发的周围神经病变（CIPN），就必须对所使用的药物、累积剂量以及神经病变症状的临床特征和时间过程进行分析，患者通常在治疗2个月左右开始出现CIPN，大多数CIPN具剂量相关性，但也存在药物特异性，如紫杉醇和奥沙利铂具急性神经毒性，顺铂停药后会出现神经病变的恶化[3]。结合化疗药物的应用背景和临床症状，CIPN可以被明确诊断，但应注意与其他因素导致的周围神经病变相区别，目前CIPN的临床评估常用EORTC-QLQ-CIPN20评分量表和NCI-CTCAE分级量表，对于合并疼痛、抑郁情绪等症状的患者，建议进行多维度评估[4]。 1.2  临床前评估 临床前药物神经毒性评估主要通过体外模型和体内模型实现，对药物或候选化合物进行潜在的神经毒物的早期、高通量筛选，研究药物对神经系统的作用及作用机制。目前常见的体外模型包括神经细胞系（SH-SY5Y、PC12、CG4等）、原代神经细胞、神经干细胞、再聚集脑细胞、类脑器官和器官芯片，体内模型包括哺乳动物（以啮齿类动物为主）和非哺乳动物（线虫、斑马鱼、果蝇等）[5]。 目前关于神经毒性临床前评价的标准较少，经济合作与发展组织（Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development，OECD）和美国环境保护署（U.S.Environmental Protection Agency，EPA）对啮齿类动物的神经毒性评价作了详细的规定，概述了神经毒性研究中需要评估的主要终点，包括5个方面，即结构或神经病理学、神经生理学、神经化学、神经行为和神经发育[6-7]。 2  细胞治疗药物神经毒性 2.1  免疫细胞治疗药物 过继细胞疗法是近年来肿瘤治疗的研究热点，包括CAR-T疗法、T细胞受体-T细胞（TCR-T）疗法和肿瘤浸润淋巴细胞（TIL）疗法等。细胞因子释放综合征（CRS）、免疫效应细胞相关神经毒性综合征（ICANS）和脱靶效应是其常见的不良反应[8]。 ICANS通常在CRS之后发生，可表现出多种神经系统症状，初期症状为震颤、书写障碍、表达性失语、失用、注意力障碍等，其中表达性失语为特征性症状，随着病程发展，患者可能会出现癫痫发作，极少数患者出现弥漫性脑水肿[9]。据统计，接受CAR-T治疗的患者中有20%～60%会出现ICANS，其中12%～30%的患者表现出严重症状（≥3级）[10]。年龄较大、骨髓系统疾病、神经系统疾病、CRS、肿瘤负荷大、给药剂量过大等因素会增加ICANS的发生[11]。 ICANS的发生机制尚未完全阐明，可能与脑血管内皮活化、血脑屏障受损、CAR-T细胞和细胞因子进入中枢神经系统有关。Santomasso等[12]在发生严重ICANS的患者体内观察到血管生成素（Ang）Ⅱ/Ang Ⅰ值较高，提示ICANS与脑血管内皮活化密切相关。Ang Ⅱ/Ang Ⅰ值增大可导致内皮通透性增加，多种免疫细胞和细胞因子进入血脑屏障，加剧炎症反应，引起神经炎症，并进一步破坏血脑屏障完整性。Juliane等[13]研究发现，在CAR-T治疗诱导神经毒性的过程中，星形胶质细胞受损，脑脊液中白细胞、蛋白质、γ干扰素（IFN-γ）、白细胞介素（IL）-6、IL-10和颗粒酶B（GzB）水平增加，CAR-T治疗可能通过全身性炎症引起星形胶质细胞损伤，进而对大脑产生不利影响。1项包括21名接受CD19 CAR-T治疗的B细胞急性淋巴细胞白血病患者的Ⅰ期临床研究报告称，与未出现神经毒性的患者相比，出现神经毒性的患者脑脊液CD19 CAR-T细胞浓度更高，可能是患者出现神经毒性的原因之一[14]。 2.2  神经干细胞（NSCs）治疗药物 NSCs是存在于中枢神经系统中的一类具分化潜能的细胞，具有肿瘤趋向性及良好的组织穿透能力，经基因工程改造后可作为药物递送系统将多种活性成分递送至病灶部位，既可以用于治疗原发性中枢神经系统恶性肿瘤，也可用于外周系统肿瘤发生的颅内转移的治疗[15]。现有临床前和临床研究数据表明，基于工程化NSCs的药物递送系统未见显著性神经毒性，临床试验中患者出现的神经系统不良反应主要与给药过程产生的损伤及所负载药物的神经毒性有关。 1项关于NSC-CRAd-S-pk7（一种由NSCs递送的工程化溶瘤腺病毒）治疗恶性胶质瘤的临床研究显示，NSCs作为一种药物递送系统用于肿瘤治疗是安全有效的，但接受药物治疗的患者依然出现了神经系统不良反应，包括硬膜下积液及注射失误引起的病毒性脑膜炎[16]。CD-NSCs是一种改造后的NSCs细胞系，可稳定表达胞嘧啶脱氨酶（CD），将原药5-氟胞嘧啶转化为5-氟尿嘧啶，在CD-NSCs重复给药的临床试验中，部分接受治疗的恶性胶质瘤患者出现药物相关的2/3级毒性反应，其中包括脑脓肿和疲劳[17]。值得注意的是，NSCs治疗产品的给药过程常涉及到开颅手术，应注意预防因手术感染引起的神经系统病变。 3  基因治疗药物神经毒性 随着RNA干扰、CRISPR技术及mRNA核苷酸碱基修饰等新理论和新技术的出现，基因治疗技术体系不断拓展，除早期的基因替代治疗外，目前还涵盖了基因编辑治疗、经基因修饰的细胞治疗、RNA治疗和溶瘤病毒治疗等[18]。基因治疗对肿瘤的针对性和杀伤性更强，不良反应较小，但仍无法避免神经毒性，对患者的药物耐受和预后有一定影响。 近年来，多个肿瘤基因治疗新药获批用于癌症治疗。ARO-HIF2是一种siRNA药物，可用于治疗转移性透明细胞肾细胞癌，在临床研究中，23.1%的受试者出现了与ARO-HIF2相关的神经毒性症状，包括周围神经病、慢性炎症性脱髓鞘多发性神经病和格林-巴利综合征，严重程度较高（≥3级）[19]。Delytact是经改造后的第3代重组1型单纯疱疹病毒（HSV-1）产品，不良反应以发热、恶心、呕吐为主，尽管患者在接受治疗过程中会出现一些神经毒性症状，但严重程度和发生率较低，通常表现为癫痫发作、脑水肿、运动及感觉神经病变、头痛等[20]。 基因疗法引发神经毒性的机制尚未完全明确，可能涉及以下几个方面：（1）载体相关毒性。基因治疗通常依赖病毒载体（如溶瘤病毒、腺相关病毒、逆转录病毒）将治疗基因递送到目标细胞，某些病毒载体可能对神经系统具有直接毒性，或者触发免疫反应导致神经炎症，从而影响神经功能。例如，腺相关病毒可引起神经炎症和神经元缺失，并可能扩展到脊髓背侧柱，导致患者出现神经痛等症状[21]。HSV-1是常见的溶瘤病毒载体，野生型HSV-1具有显著的神经毒性副作用，可引起病毒性脑炎，降低患者生存率[22]。（2）脱靶效应相关毒性。某些基因疗法使用的载体可能会将治疗基因递送到非目标组织，导致治疗基因在神经系统中意外表达，可能会导致细胞功能障碍或死亡，引起神经毒性。ARO-HIF2的临床研究数据显示，基质细胞中ARO-HIF2水平较高，表明除肿瘤细胞外的其他细胞也会吸收ARO-HIF2，其神经毒性可能是脱靶效应导致[19]。（3）免疫相关毒性。基因治疗可能激活免疫系统，导致炎症反应，影响神经系统。Benjamin等[23]评估了LOAd703（一种基于溶瘤病毒的免疫刺激基因治疗）联合化疗治疗晚期胰腺导管恶性腺瘤的安全性和可行性，在16名接受治疗后T细胞检测的患者中，94%出现CD8+效应记忆细胞和腺病毒特异性T细胞的比例增加。 4  抗体类药物神经毒性 神经毒性是抗肿瘤抗体药物常见的不良反应之一，不同类抗体药物神经毒性的发生率、严重程度和临床症状不同，减量或停药后通常有所缓解，对于本身有神经系统疾病或神经系统损伤的患者来说，神经毒性的发生率和严重程度更高[24]。 4.1  单克隆抗体 单克隆抗体仅针对一种特定抗原表位，具有特异性高、亲和力强、血清半衰期长等优点，在肿瘤治疗领域应用广泛，目前已有多个药物获批上市。研究表明，单克隆抗体药物（尤其是靶向肿瘤坏死因子及其受体的单克隆抗体）可引起多发性硬化、视神经炎、外周脱髓鞘神经病等神经系统疾病[25]。1项针对帕博利珠单抗的II期临床研究显示，接受治疗的患者出现了一些神经毒性症状，关节痛、疲惫、无力等发生率大于10%，其中疲惫是最常见的3～4级治疗相关不良反应[26]。研究表明，CD20抗体（利妥昔单抗、替伊莫单抗、奥法木单抗等）引起的神经系统不良反应包括头痛、神经系统病变、脑病、痴呆、中枢神经系统出血、卒中等，与其他药物联用会增加神经毒性风险；CD30抗体（本妥昔单抗）引起的神经系统不良反应包括神经病变、头痛和肌痛/肌病，偶见脑病，3～4级神经病变的发生率为11%，其他严重的神经毒性较少见；CD52抗体（阿仑单抗）神经系统不良反应发生率较低，主要为外周神经病变、脊髓炎、视神经炎、格林-巴利综合征、运动障碍等[24]。 单克隆抗体类药物的神经毒性机制有待进一步研究，不同类抗体的神经毒性机制存在差异。某些单克隆抗体可能会与神经细胞的受体或蛋白质直接相互作用，导致神经细胞功能障碍或凋亡。例如，接受本妥昔单抗治疗后，约半数以上患者会出现神经病变，这可能与该抗体与微管蛋白酶结合有关[27]。此外，单克隆抗体的使用可能会引起免疫系统激活，诱导针对神经组织的自身免疫反应，例如CTL4单抗可诱导垂体自身抗体的产生，从而导致垂体功能减退，此外，它还能激活补体依赖的细胞毒性作用（CDC）和抗体依赖细胞介导的细胞毒性作用（ADCC）[28]。 4.2  双特异性抗体（BsAb） BsAb可同时结合2种抗原或同一种抗原的2个不同表位，具备更加优势的生物学效应。目前有许多BsAb药物正在临床试验阶段，BsAb药物的开发由于剂量限制性神经毒性而面临重大挑战[29]。倍利妥是抗CD3和CD19的双特异性T细胞抗体（BiTE），Kantarjian等[30]使用倍利妥治疗晚期急性淋巴细胞白血病，研究数据显示，9.4%的患者出现神经系统不良反应，3级或3级以上神经系统不良事件的发生率与化疗相似，因神经系统不良反应中断治疗的患者比例为4%。1项关于AMG 420（一种抗B细胞成熟抗原的BiTE）的临床研究结果显示，与倍利妥相比，AMG 420的神经毒性发生率相对较低，而且没有中枢神经系统毒性，停药后可缓解，但在每天800 μg的剂量下，神经毒性仍为AMG 420的剂量限制性毒性之一，患者出现严重的3级多发性神经病[31]。特立妥单抗也是一种BiTE，其临床研究报告显示，14.5%的患者出现神经系统不良反应，包括头痛、癫痫发作、ICANs等，研究人员指出，神经毒性是特立妥单抗常见的不良反应，但临床症状通常严重程度较低且可逆[32]。BiTE的神经毒性作用机制尚未完全阐明，T细胞介导的B细胞激活和细胞因子释放破坏了血脑屏障可能是影响因素之一[33]。 4.3  免疫检查点抑制剂（ICIs） ICIs可通过增强内源性免疫反应破坏肿瘤细胞，发挥肿瘤治疗作用。据报道，在接受ICIs治疗的各年龄组患者中，神经系统免疫相关不良事件（n-irAE）的发生率为8%，大多数n-irAE症状轻微，但严重的n-irAE可致残或致死[34]。ICIs引起的n-irAEs可影响中枢和外周神经系统，主要表现为脑膜炎、脑炎、血管炎、脱髓鞘性神经病、多发性神经病、肌炎、神经肌接头紊乱[35]。 ICIs的神经毒性机制尚未完全阐明，目前已提出几种潜在机制。首先，ICIs可阻断调节性T细胞（Tregs），导致Tregs减少，效应细胞增殖并激活，打破机体免疫平衡[36]，其引起的神经毒性症状在自身患有免疫系统疾病的患者中尤为明显[37]。其次，基于对肿瘤细胞和正常细胞共有抗原的交叉反应也可能是诱导神经毒性的机制之一。ICIs可通过针对神经细胞和肿瘤细胞共有抗原的交叉反应性诱导免疫反应，促进免疫介导的副肿瘤神经系统综合征（PNS）[38]。此外，研究者们也提出了其他可能的机制，包括表位扩散、既往感染、微生物组改变以及对表达免疫检查点的细胞系的直接细胞毒性[39]。 4.4  ADC ADC是通过连接子将细胞毒类药物与单克隆抗体进行连接的新型靶向药物。ADC的神经毒性呈剂量相关性，与化疗药物（如顺铂、长春新碱、紫杉醇等）相似，常引起周围神经病变，严重程度多为1～2级，主要临床表现为感觉、运动和自主神经功能异常，包括四肢麻木、刺痛、触觉异常、自发性灼烧样/放射性/电击样疼痛、痛觉异常、肢体远端无力、精细运动受损等[40]。8种最常见的ADC相关神经系统不良反应为周围神经病变、脑出血、周围感觉神经病、多发性神经病、脑病、进行性多灶性白质脑病、味觉障碍和吉兰-巴雷综合症[41]。在靶向CDH6的ADC治疗晚期实体瘤的I期临床研究中，一名患者癫痫发作，另一名患者出现失语症和脑病[42]。在接受MLN2704（一种前列腺特异性膜抗体ADC）治疗的63名前列腺癌的患者中，71%的患者出现周围神经病变[43]。 ADC诱发神经毒性的作用机制与小分子药物的细胞毒性作用密切相关。研究表明，与ADC相关的神经毒性是由细胞毒性有效载荷引起的，与“非肿瘤细胞的靶抗原特异性摄入（靶向相关性）”“非肿瘤细胞的脱靶作用（脱靶相关性）”和“非肿瘤细胞的非靶抗原摄入”3个方面有关[41-44]。一方面，ADC靶向的抗原通常在正常组织细胞中也有表达，导致细胞毒性药物被正常细胞摄取并引起靶向相关性不良反应；另一方面，由于ADC连接子的不稳定性或其他因素，细胞毒药物提前释放，引起脱靶相关性不良反应；此外，某些非肿瘤细胞表面存在与ADC药物抗体Fc段结合的受体，介导药物进入非肿瘤细胞，引起不良反应[40]。 5  抗肿瘤药物神经毒性治疗措施 抗肿瘤药物所引起的神经病变通常呈现剂量依赖性，一旦出现神经系统症状，应当及时减少剂量或停药，同时给予相应药物缓解症状。多数神经症状可在停药后减弱或消失，如果药物浓度较高、治疗时间过长，也可能引起不可逆性病变[45]。 对于传统铂类化疗药，应用钠通道阻滞药物卡马西平、加巴喷丁等药物能够降低患者神经毒性症状的发生率，应用维生素B1、维生素C等可以改善患者中毒症状[46]。针对新型抗肿瘤药物引起的特殊类型神经系统毒性，需要采用更为个性化的管理方法，比如使用免疫抑制剂治疗由ICIs引发的自身免疫反应。Xiao等[47]提出，临床上可通过优化给药方式和剂量、优化CAR结构来降低CAR-T毒性，减少不良反应的发生。此外，出现ICANS症状的患者可根据严重程度采用不同药物治疗：1级ICANS患者可通过氟哌啶醇或劳拉西泮改善症状；2级ICANS患者，尤其是IL-6抗体治疗无效的患者，可使用地塞米松或甲基强的松龙；3级及以上ICANS患者应转入重症监护室；并发CRS的患者可使用托西珠单抗和IL-6抗体[48]。单克隆抗体药物出现神经毒性症状后应当及时减少药物剂量或停药，同时给予药物治疗，如果毒性为轻度至中度，可口服皮质类固醇；如果毒性较严重，可iv皮质类固醇[49]。对于特立妥单抗引起的不同神经毒性症状，可给予托西珠单抗、地塞米松、左乙拉西坦和加巴喷丁等药物治疗[32]。n-irAEs引起的神经毒性疾病的治疗方法为停用ICIs并使用皮质类固醇，在皮质类固醇耐药的情况下，可考虑iv免疫球蛋白、血浆置换以及使用利妥昔单抗、阿替利珠单抗等药物[35]。使用ADC治疗肿瘤的过程中出现神经毒性症状时，可通过神经毒性问卷评估患者严重程度，根据分级确定个性化护理方案，1～2级通常无需调整剂量，3级及以上需要降低剂量、延长用药间隔或终止治疗，必要时可使用B族维生素、叶酸、烟酰胺、度洛西汀等神经营养药物[40]。 6  结语与展望 随着肿瘤学和相关学科的深入研究，多种抗肿瘤新疗法不断出现，纳米制剂、鞘内注射药物等新疗法的潜在神经毒性风险成为研究热点。为了全面应对这一挑战，研究者们从多个角度进行深入研究，包括神经毒性机制、加强监管和评估、调整治疗措施等。不同种类药物引起的神经毒性症状和机制也不同，常见机制包括载体或有效荷载相关毒性、免疫激活介导的自身免疫性反应和炎症反应、脱靶效应及血脑屏障受损等。在临床前新药安全性评价阶段，可采用体内外实验研究各类新型抗肿瘤候选药物的潜在神经毒性及作用机制，进而帮助识别和量化潜在的神经毒性风险，评估候选药物的安全性，为制定初期临床试验的试验方案、给药剂量、患者监测计划以及风险缓解策略提供参考。对临床上接受抗肿瘤药物治疗的患者，在提高疗效的同时要避免药物治疗造成的不可逆性神经损伤[3]。对于出现神经毒性的患者，要及时停药或减少给药剂量，并给予相应药物治疗，以避免更为严重的神经系统损伤。 总之，近年来新型抗肿瘤药物研发快、创新品种多，已发现或潜在的神经毒性不良反应成为影响药物获批的重要因素之一，因此，需要研发企业、监管部门对其展开全面且深入的研究和监测。 文章信息源于药物评价研究，登载该文章目的为更广泛的传递行业信息，不代表赞同其观点或对其真实性负责。文章版权归原作者及原出处所有，文章内容仅供参考。本网拥有对此声明的最终解释权，若无意侵犯版权，请联系小编删除。 学如逆水行舟，不进则退； 心似平原走马，易放难收。 行舟Drug 每日更新 欢迎订阅+ 医药大数据|行业动态|政策解读

SOUTH SAN FRANCISCO, Calif.--( BUSINESS WIRE )--Genentech, a member of the Roche Group (SIX: RO, ROG; OTCQX: RHHBY), announced today that a detailed analysis of its Phase III REGENCY trial of Gazyva ® (obinutuzumab) in people with active lupus nephritis (LN) was published in the New England Journal of Medicine . The trial demonstrated a statistically significant and clinically meaningful improvement in the primary endpoint of complete renal response (CRR), showing that 46.4% of people treated with Gazyva plus standard therapy (mycophenolate mofetil and glucocorticoids) achieved CRR at 76 weeks compared with 33.1% of people treated with standard therapy alone (adjusted difference 13.4%, 95% CI, 2.0%-24.8%; p=0.0232). This was accompanied by clinically meaningful improvements in complement levels and reductions in anti-dsDNA, markers of disease activity and inflammation. Data were presented at the World Congress of Nephrology (WCN) 2025 and are being shared with health authorities, including the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the European Medicines Agency. “The fact that nearly half of lupus nephritis patients achieved a complete renal response, together with clinically meaningful benefits observed consistently across subgroups, indicates superior disease control with Gazyva compared to standard treatment alone,” said Levi Garraway, M.D., Ph.D., chief medical officer and head of Global Product Development. “Lupus nephritis disproportionately affects younger women, mostly women of color, often leading to end-stage kidney disease. Our goal is to address this urgent need by providing a more effective treatment option.” “The positive REGENCY study results confirmed the findings of an earlier trial that administration of obinutuzumab, a therapy which targets B cells, benefited patients with lupus nephritis more than standard treatment alone,” said Dr. Richard Furie, the Marilyn and Barry Rubenstein Chair in Rheumatology and Chief of the Division of Rheumatology at Northwell Health. “It is also gratifying to see that patients who received obinutuzumab were not only more likely to achieve the desired outcome but were able to taper corticosteroids at the same time.” Gazyva’s safety profile was consistent with the well-characterized profile observed in its hematology-oncology indications. Key secondary endpoints showed that at week 76, patients who received Gazyva plus standard therapy were more likely to achieve CRR, with a successful reduction of corticosteroid use than standard therapy alone. In addition, a higher proportion of patients also showed improvement in proteinuric response when treated with Gazyva plus standard therapy versus standard therapy alone. These endpoints are important indicators for achieving better disease control in lupus nephritis. As seen in pre-specified subgroup analyses, a benefit in CRR with Gazyva over standard therapy alone was consistent across all subgroups of patients including indicators of more active lupus nephritis, Class IV lupus nephritis, concomitant Class V disease, higher baseline proteinuria levels, and/or greater serologic activity. Further results for key secondary endpoints can be found in the table below and additional post hoc analysis is ongoing. Key secondary endpoints Obinutuzumab (n=135) Response % (95% CI) Placebo (n=136) Response % (95% CI) Treatment Difference (95% CI) P value CRR with prednisone taper (prednisone ≤7.5 mg/day Week 64 through Week 76) 42.7 (34.3, 51.1) 30.9 (23.1, 38.7) 11.9 (0.6, 23.2) 0.0421 Proteinuric response at Week 76 (UPCR <0.8 g/g) 55.5 (47.1, 64.0) 41.9 (33.6, 50.2) 13.7 (2.0, 25.4) 0.0227 Change in eGFR from baseline, adjusted mean 2.31 (2.71) -1.54 (2.71) 3.84 (-1.83, 9.51) 0.1842 Death or renal-related events through Week 76 18.9 (12.1, 25.6) 35.6 (27.5, 43.8) -16.83 (-27.4, -6.2) 0.0026* ORR at Week 50 59.1 (50.8, 67.4) 50.7 (42.2, 59.2) 8.4 (-3.4, 20.1) 0.1670 Change in FACIT-F from baseline, adjusted mean 1.8 (1.2) 3.1 (1.2) -1.4 (-3.9, 1.2) 0.2991 * Statistical significance cannot be claimed as endpoints earlier in the hierarchy were not met Lupus nephritis is a potentially life-threatening manifestation of an autoimmune disease that affects approximately 1.7 million people worldwide, predominantly women, mostly of color and childbearing age. Despite current treatment options, up to a third of people will develop end-stage kidney disease within 10 years, where dialysis or transplant are the only available options and the risk of mortality is high. Gazyva is the only anti-CD20 monoclonal antibody to demonstrate a CRR benefit in a randomized phase III study in lupus nephritis. Based on data from the Phase II NOBILITY study, Gazyva was granted Breakthrough Therapy Designation by the U.S. FDA in 2019. In addition to REGENCY, Gazyva is being investigated in children and adolescents with lupus nephritis, people with membranous nephropathy, childhood-onset idiopathic nephrotic syndrome and systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), an autoimmune disease that commonly affects the kidneys and can lead to lupus nephritis. About Gazyva in Kidney Diseases Gazyva ® (obinutuzumab) is a Type II engineered humanized monoclonal antibody designed to attach to CD20, a protein found on certain types of B cells. In lupus nephritis, disease-causing B cells drive persistent inflammation that damages the kidneys. We can target an underlying cause of lupus nephritis to help gain better control of the disease by depleting disease-causing B cells with Gazyva, aiming to protect the kidneys from further damage and potentially prevent or delay progression to end-stage kidney disease. Gazyva is already approved in 100 countries for various types of lymphoma. In the United States, Gazyva is part of a collaboration between Genentech and Biogen. About the REGENCY Study REGENCY [ NCT04221477 ] is a Phase III, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, multicenter study investigating the efficacy and safety of Gazyva ® (obinutuzumab) plus standard therapy (mycophenolate mofetil and glucocorticoids) in people with active/chronic International Society of Nephrology/Renal Pathology Society 2003 proliferative Class III or IV lupus nephritis, with or without Class V. The study enrolled 271 people, who were randomized 1:1 to receive either biannual intravenous dosing of Gazyva plus standard therapy or placebo plus standard therapy. REGENCY was designed based on robust Phase II data and conducted during the COVID-19 pandemic. The study population was representative of the real-world population of people with lupus nephritis. The primary endpoint was the proportion of people who achieved complete renal response (CRR) at 76 weeks. Key secondary endpoints included the proportion of people who achieved CRR at week 76 with successful reduction of corticosteroid use (prednisone taper); the proportion who achieved proteinuric response at 76 weeks; mean change in estimated glomerular filtration rate at 76 weeks; death or renal related events through week 76 and overall renal response at 50 weeks. Safety and tolerability were also assessed. About Lupus Nephritis Lupus nephritis is a potentially life-threatening manifestation of systemic lupus erythematosus, an autoimmune disease that commonly affects the kidneys. Lupus nephritis affects approximately 1.7 million people worldwide. Lupus nephritis has a profound impact on the lives and outlook of those affected and even with the latest treatments, the damage caused to the kidneys usually gets worse over time, with up to a third of people progressing to end-stage kidney disease within 10 years, where the only options are dialysis or transplant. Lupus nephritis predominantly affects women, mostly women of color and usually of childbearing age. Currently, there is no cure. Gazyva U.S. Indications Gazyva ® (obinutuzumab) is a prescription medicine used: With the chemotherapy drug, chlorambucil, to treat chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) in adults who have not had previous CLL treatment. With the chemotherapy drug, bendamustine, followed by Gazyva alone for follicular lymphoma (FL) in adults who did not respond to a rituximab-containing regimen, or whose FL returned after such treatment. In combination with chemotherapy, followed by Gazyva alone in those who responded, to treat stage II bulky, III, or IV FL in adults who have not had previous FL treatment. Important Safety Information The most important safety information patients should know about Gazyva Patients must tell their doctor right away about any side effect they experience. Gazyva can cause side effects that can become serious or life-threatening, including: Hepatitis B Virus (HBV): Hepatitis B can cause liver failure and death. If the patient has a history of hepatitis B infection, Gazyva could cause it to return. Patients should not receive Gazyva if they have active hepatitis B liver disease. The patient’s doctor or healthcare team will need to screen them for hepatitis B before, and monitor the patient for hepatitis during and after, their treatment with Gazyva. Sometimes this will require treatment for hepatitis B. Symptoms of hepatitis include: worsening of fatigue and yellow discoloration of skin or eyes. Progressive Multifocal Leukoencephalopathy (PML): PML is a rare and serious brain infection caused by a virus. PML can be fatal. The patient’s weakened immune system could put them at risk. The patient’s doctor will watch for symptoms. Symptoms of PML include: confusion, difficulty talking or walking, dizziness or loss of balance, and vision problems. Who should not receive Gazyva: Patients should NOT receive Gazyva if they have had an allergic reaction (e.g., anaphylaxis or serum sickness) to Gazyva. Patients must tell their healthcare provider if they have had an allergic reaction to obinutuzumab or any other ingredients in Gazyva in the past. Additional possible serious side effects of Gazyva: Patients must tell their doctor right away about any side effect they experience. Gazyva can cause side effects that may become severe or life threatening, including: Infusion Reactions: These side effects may occur during or within 24 hours of any Gazyva infusion. Some infusion reactions can be serious, including, but not limited to, severe allergic reactions (anaphylaxis), acute life-threatening breathing problems, or other life-threatening infusion reactions. If the patient has a reaction, the infusion is either slowed or stopped until their symptoms are resolved. Most patients are able to complete infusions and receive medication again. However, if the infusion reaction is life-threatening, the infusion of Gazyva will be permanently stopped. The patient’s healthcare team will take steps to help lessen any side effects the patient may have to the infusion process. The patient may be given medicines to take before each Gazyva treatment. Symptoms of infusion reactions may include: fast heartbeat, tiredness, dizziness, headache, redness of the face, nausea, chills, fever, vomiting, diarrhea, rash, high blood pressure, low blood pressure, difficulty breathing, and chest discomfort. Hypersensitivity Reactions Including Serum Sickness: Some patients receiving Gazyva may have severe or life-threatening allergic reactions. This reaction may be severe, may happen during or after an infusion, and may affect many areas of the body. If an allergic reaction occurs, the patient’s doctor will stop the infusion and permanently discontinue Gazyva. Tumor Lysis Syndrome (TLS): Tumor lysis syndrome, including fatal cases, has been reported in patients receiving Gazyva. Gazyva works to break down cancer cells quickly. As cancer cells break apart, their contents are released into the blood. These contents may cause damage to organs and the heart, and may lead to kidney failure requiring the need for dialysis treatment. The patient’s doctor may prescribe medication to help prevent TLS. The patient’s doctor will also conduct regular blood tests to check for TLS. Symptoms of TLS may include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and tiredness. Infections: While the patient is taking Gazyva, they may develop infections. Some of these infections may be fatal and severe, so the patient should be sure to talk to their doctor if they think they have an infection. Patients administered Gazyva in combination with chemotherapy, followed by Gazyva alone are at a high risk of infections during and after treatment. Patients with a history of recurring or chronic infections may be at an increased risk of infection. Patients with an active infection should not be treated with Gazyva. Patients taking Gazyva plus bendamustine may be at higher risk for fatal or severe infections compared to patients taking Gazyva plus CHOP or CVP. Low White Blood Cell Count: When the patient has an abnormally low count of infection-fighting white blood cells, it is called neutropenia. While the patient is taking Gazyva, their doctor will do blood work to check their white blood cell count. Severe and life-threatening neutropenia can develop during or after treatment with Gazyva. Some cases of neutropenia can last for more than one month. If the patient’s white blood cell count is low, their doctor may prescribe medication to help prevent infections. Low Platelet Count: Platelets help stop bleeding or blood loss. Gazyva may reduce the number of platelets the patient has in their blood; having low platelet count is called thrombocytopenia. This may affect the clotting process. While the patient is taking Gazyva, their doctor will do blood work to check their platelet count. Severe and life-threatening thrombocytopenia can develop during treatment with Gazyva. Fatal bleeding events have occurred in patients treated with Gazyva. If the patient’s platelet count gets too low, their treatment may be delayed or reduced. Disseminated Intravascular Coagulation (DIC): Fatal and severe DIC has been reported in people receiving GAZYVA. DIC is a rare and serious abnormal blood clotting condition that should be monitored and managed by your doctor as it can lead to uncontrollable bleeding The most common side effects of Gazyva in CLL were infusion-related reactions and low white blood cell counts. The most common side effects seen with GAZYVA in a study that included relapsed or refractory NHL, including FL patients were infusion-related reactions, fatigue, low white blood cell counts, cough, upper respiratory tract infection, and joint or muscle pain. The most common side effects seen with GAZYVA in a study that included previously untreated FL patients were infusion-related reactions, low white blood cell count, upper respiratory tract infections, cough, constipation and diarrhea. Before receiving Gazyva, patients should talk to their doctor about: Immunizations: Before receiving Gazyva therapy, the patient should tell their healthcare provider if they have recently received or are scheduled to receive a vaccine. Patients who are treated with Gazyva should not receive live vaccines. Pregnancy: The patient should tell their doctor if they are pregnant, think that they might be pregnant, or plan to become pregnant. Gazyva may harm their unborn baby. The patient should speak to their doctor about using Gazyva while they are pregnant. The patient should talk to their doctor or their child’s doctor about the safety and timing of live virus vaccinations to their infant if they received Gazyva during pregnancy. Patients of childbearing potential should use effective contraception while taking Gazyva and for 6 months after your Gazyva treatment. Breastfeeding: Because of the potential risk of serious side reactions in breastfed children, patient should not breastfeed while taking Gazyva and for 6 months after your last dose. Patients should tell their doctor about any side effects. These are not all of the possible side effects of Gazyva. For more information, patients should ask their doctor or pharmacist. Gazyva is available by prescription only. Report side effects to the FDA at (800) FDA-1088, or http://www.fda.gov/medwatch. Report side effects to Genentech at (888) 835-2555. Please visit https://www.Gazyva.com for the Gazyva full Prescribing Information, including BOXED WARNINGS, for additional Important Safety Information. About Genentech in Kidney Diseases For 20 years, we have combined innovation, scientific expertise and commitment to patients to address unmet needs in kidney diseases. Our industry-leading pipeline includes several ongoing Phase I-III clinical studies of immune-mediated investigational therapies with the aim of bringing innovative new treatment options to people living with kidney and kidney-related diseases, including lupus nephritis, membranous nephropathy, immunoglobulin A nephropathy, atypical hemolytic uremic syndrome, childhood-onset idiopathic nephrotic syndrome and systemic lupus erythematosus, an autoimmune disease that can lead to lupus nephritis. About Genentech Founded more than 40 years ago, Genentech is a leading biotechnology company that discovers, develops, manufactures and commercializes medicines to treat patients with serious and life-threatening medical conditions. The company, a member of the Roche Group, has headquarters in South San Francisco, California. For additional information about the company, please visit http://www.gene.com .

CAMBRIDGE, England & BOSTON--( BUSINESS WIRE )--Cycle Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (Cycle) announces today completion of the acquisition of Banner Life Sciences, LLC (Banner) which includes its BAFIERTAM ® (monomethyl fumarate) product for the treatment of relapsing forms of multiple sclerosis (MS), in adults, approved by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA). MS affects an estimated 1 million people in the US with around 200 new cases being diagnosed each week. 1 Approximately 85% of diagnoses are the relapsing-remitting form of the condition and, without treatment, about 50% of those progress to the more serious secondary-progressive form within 10 years. 1 BAFIERTAM will become Cycle’s second branded product for the treatment of MS alongside TASCENSO ODT ® (fingolimod). As with TASCENSO, BAFIERTAM patients will benefit from Cycle’s industry leading hub program, Cycle Vita™*. BAFIERTAM patients will continue to be supported by Banner’s established network during a transition period. The purchase of Banner was funded from cash on hand and demonstrates the capability of Cycle to reinvest in products where it can provide the highest quality medicines and support to patients who need it most. This acquisition comes at a time of increasing attention to the long-standing concern about the substandard quality of generic medicines in the neurology community 2 , as most recently documented in MS by Professor Darin Okuda (UT Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX). 3 “ We are delighted to strengthen Cycle’s offer to the MS community by adding BAFIERTAM to our MS product portfolio. We will be able to support more patients via our best-in-class patient support hub Cycle Vita*, as well as giving patients full confidence in the medicines they are using to manage their MS, ” says James Harrison – CEO of Cycle. Ondra LLP served as exclusive financial advisor to Cycle, Goodwin Procter LLP acted as legal advisor. Leerink Partners served as exclusive financial advisor to Banner and Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom LLP acted as legal advisor. To find out more about BAFIERTAM, please visit www.bafiertam.com . To find out more about TASCENSO ODT, please visit www.tascenso.com . To find out more about Cycle Vita, please visit www.cyclevita.life or call 888-360-8482. About BAFIERTAM ® (monomethyl fumarate) BAFIERTAM is a prescription medicine used to treat relapsing forms of multiple sclerosis (MS), to include clinically isolated syndrome, relapsing-remitting disease, and active secondary progressive disease, in adults. It is not known if BAFIERTAM is safe and effective in children. SELECTED SAFETY INFORMATION CONTRAINDICATIONS BAFIERTAM is contraindicated in patients with known hypersensitivity to monomethyl fumarate, dimethyl fumarate, diroximel fumarate, or to any of the excipients of BAFIERTAM. BAFIERTAM should not be taken with dimethyl fumarate or diroximel fumarate. WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS Anaphylaxis and Angioedema - BAFIERTAM can cause anaphylaxis and angioedema after the first dose or at any time during treatment. Signs and symptoms in patients taking dimethyl fumarate (the prodrug of BAFIERTAM) have included difficulty breathing, urticaria, and swelling of the throat and tongue. Patients should be instructed to discontinue BAFIERTAM and seek immediate medical care should they experience signs and symptoms of anaphylaxis or angioedema. Progressive Multifocal Leukoencephalopathy - Progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy (PML) has occurred in patients with MS treated with dimethyl fumarate (the prodrug of BAFIERTAM). PML is an opportunistic viral infection of the brain caused by the JC virus (JCV) that typically only occurs in patients who are immunocompromised, and that usually leads to death or severe disability. A fatal case of PML occurred in a patient who received dimethyl fumarate for 4 years while enrolled in a clinical trial. During the clinical trial, the patient experienced prolonged lymphopenia (lymphocyte counts predominantly <0.5x10 9 /L for 3.5 years) while taking dimethyl fumarate. The patient had no other identified systemic medical conditions resulting in compromised immune system function and had not previously been treated with natalizumab, which has a known association with PML. The patient was also not taking any immunosuppressive or immunomodulatory medications concomitantly. PML has also occurred in patients taking dimethyl fumarate in the postmarketing setting in the presence of lymphopenia (<0.9x10 9 /L). While the role of lymphopenia in these cases is uncertain, the PML cases have occurred predominantly in patients with lymphocyte counts <0.8x10 9 /L persisting for more than 6 months. At the first sign or symptom suggestive of PML, withhold BAFIERTAM and perform an appropriate diagnostic evaluation. Typical symptoms associated with PML are diverse, progress over days to weeks, and include progressive weakness on one side of the body or clumsiness of limbs, disturbance of vision, and changes in thinking, memory, and orientation leading to confusion and personality changes. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) findings may be apparent before clinical signs or symptoms. Cases of PML, diagnosed based on MRI findings and the detection of JCV DNA in the cerebrospinal fluid in the absence of clinical signs or symptoms specific to PML, have been reported in patients treated with other MS medications associated with PML. Many of these patients subsequently became symptomatic with PML. Therefore, monitoring with MRI for signs that may be consistent with PML may be useful, and any suspicious findings should lead to further investigation to allow for an early diagnosis of PML, if present. Lower PML-related mortality and morbidity have been reported following discontinuation of another MS medication associated with PML in patients with PML who were initially asymptomatic compared to patients with PML who had characteristic clinical signs and symptoms at diagnosis. It is not known whether these differences are due to early detection and discontinuation of MS treatment or due to differences in disease in these patients. Herpes Zoster and Other Serious Opportunistic Infections - Serious cases of herpes zoster have occurred with dimethyl fumarate (the prodrug of BAFIERTAM), including disseminated herpes zoster, herpes zoster ophthalmicus, herpes zoster meningoencephalitis, and herpes zoster meningomyelitis. These events may occur at any time during treatment. Monitor patients on BAFIERTAM for signs and symptoms of herpes zoster. If herpes zoster occurs, appropriate treatment for herpes zoster should be administered. Other serious opportunistic infections have occurred with dimethyl fumarate, including cases of serious viral (herpes simplex virus, West Nile virus, cytomegalovirus), fungal (Candida and Aspergillus), and bacterial (Nocardia, Listeria monocytogenes, Mycobacterium tuberculosis) infections. These infections have been reported in patients with reduced absolute lymphocyte counts (ALC) as well as in patients with normal ALC. These infections have affected the brain, meninges, spinal cord, gastrointestinal tract, lungs, skin, eye, and ear. Patients with symptoms and signs consistent with any of these infections should undergo prompt diagnostic evaluation and receive appropriate treatment. Consider withholding BAFIERTAM treatment in patients with herpes zoster or other serious infections until the infection has resolved. Lymphopenia - BAFIERTAM may decrease lymphocyte counts. In the MS placebo-controlled trials with dimethyl fumarate (the prodrug of BAFIERTAM), mean lymphocyte counts decreased by approximately 30% during the first year of treatment with dimethyl fumarate and then remained stable. Four weeks after stopping dimethyl fumarate, mean lymphocyte counts increased, but did not return to baseline. Six percent (6%) of dimethyl fumarate patients and <1% of placebo patients experienced lymphocyte counts <0.5x10 9 /L (lower limit of normal 0.91x10 9 /L). The incidence of infections (60% vs 58%) and serious infections (2% vs 2%) was similar in patients treated with dimethyl fumarate or placebo, respectively. There was no increased incidence of serious infections observed in patients with lymphocyte counts <0.8x10 9 /L or <0.5x10 9 /L in controlled trials, although one patient in an extension study developed PML in the setting of prolonged lymphopenia (lymphocyte counts predominantly <0.5x10 9 /L for 3.5 years). In controlled and uncontrolled clinical trials with dimethyl fumarate, 2% of patients experienced lymphocyte counts <0.5 x 10 9 /L for at least six months, and in this group, the majority of lymphocyte counts remained <0.5x10 9 /L with continued therapy. In these patients with prolonged, severe lymphopenia, the median time for lymphocyte counts to return to normal after discontinuing dimethyl fumarate was 96.0 weeks. In these controlled and uncontrolled clinical studies, among patients who did not experience prolonged, severe lymphopenia during treatment, the median times for lymphocyte counts to return to normal after discontinuing dimethyl fumarate were as follows: 4.3 weeks in patients with mild lymphopenia (lymphocyte count ≥0.8x10 9 /L) at discontinuation, 10.0 weeks in patients with moderate lymphopenia (lymphocyte count 0.5 to <0.8x10 9 /L) at discontinuation, and 16.7 weeks in patients with severe lymphopenia (lymphocyte count <0.5x10 9 /L) at discontinuation. Neither BAFIERTAM nor dimethyl fumarate have been studied in patients with preexisting low lymphocyte counts. Obtain a CBC, including lymphocyte count, before initiating treatment with BAFIERTAM, 6 months after starting treatment, and then every 6 to 12 months thereafter, and as clinically indicated. Consider interruption of BAFIERTAM in patients with lymphocyte counts less than 0.5 x 10 9 /L persisting for more than six months. Given the potential for delayed recovery of lymphocyte counts, continue to obtain lymphocyte counts until their recovery if BAFIERTAM is discontinued or interrupted because of lymphopenia. Consider withholding treatment from patients with serious infections until resolution. Decisions about whether or not to restart BAFIERTAM should be individualized based on clinical circumstances. Liver Injury - Clinically significant cases of liver injury have been reported in patients treated with dimethyl fumarate (the prodrug of BAFIERTAM) in the postmarketing setting. The onset has ranged from a few days to several months after initiation of treatment with dimethyl fumarate. Signs and symptoms of liver injury, including elevation of serum aminotransferases to greater than 5-fold the upper limit of normal and elevation of total bilirubin to greater than 2-fold the upper limit of normal have been observed. These abnormalities resolved upon treatment discontinuation. Some cases required hospitalization. None of the reported cases resulted in liver failure, liver transplant, or death. However, the combination of new serum aminotransferase elevations with increased levels of bilirubin caused by drug-induced hepatocellular injury is an important predictor of serious liver injury that may lead to acute liver failure, liver transplant, or death in some patients. Elevations of hepatic transaminases (most no greater than 3 times the upper limit of normal) were observed during controlled trials with dimethyl fumarate. Obtain serum aminotransferase, alkaline phosphatase (ALP), and total bilirubin levels prior to treatment with BAFIERTAM and during treatment, as clinically indicated. Discontinue BAFIERTAM if clinically significant liver injury induced by BAFIERTAM is suspected. Flushing - BAFIERTAM may cause flushing (e.g., warmth, redness, itching, and/or burning sensation). In clinical trials of dimethyl fumarate (the prodrug of BAFIERTAM), 40% of dimethyl fumarate-treated patients experienced flushing. Flushing symptoms generally began soon after initiating dimethyl fumarate and usually improved or resolved over time. In the majority of patients who experienced flushing, it was mild or moderate in severity. Three percent (3%) of patients discontinued dimethyl fumarate for flushing, and <1% had serious flushing symptoms that were not life-threatening but led to hospitalization. Studies with dimethyl fumarate show that administration of non-enteric coated aspirin (up to a dose of 325 mg) 30 minutes prior to dosing may reduce the incidence or severity of flushing. In the BAFIERTAM studies, the presence of food did not impact the incidence of flushing. Serious Gastrointestinal Reactions - Serious gastrointestinal reactions, including perforation, ulceration, hemorrhage, and obstruction, some with fatal outcomes, have been reported in the postmarketing setting with the use of fumaric acid esters, including dimethyl fumarate, with or without concomitant aspirin use. The majority of these events have occurred within 6 months of fumaric acid ester treatment initiation. In controlled clinical trials, the incidence of serious gastrointestinal adverse events was 1% in patients treated with dimethyl fumarate; these events, none of which were fatal, included vomiting (0.3%) and abdominal pain (0.3%). Monitor patients, promptly evaluate, and discontinue BAFIERTAM for new or worsening severe gastrointestinal signs and symptoms. DRUG INTERACTIONS Concomitant Dimethyl Fumarate or Diroximel Fumarate - Both dimethyl fumarate and diroximel fumarate are metabolized to monomethyl fumarate. Therefore, BAFIERTAM is contraindicated in patients currently taking dimethyl fumarate or diroximel fumarate. BAFIERTAM may be initiated the day following discontinuation of either of these drugs. USE IN SPECIFIC POPULATIONS Pregnancy - There are no adequate data on the developmental risk associated with the use of BAFIERTAM in pregnant women. Available data from a pregnancy registry for dimethyl fumarate (the prodrug of BAFIERTAM), observational studies, and pharmacovigilance with dimethyl fumarate use in pregnant women have not indicated an increased risk of major birth defects, miscarriage, or other adverse maternal or fetal outcomes. Most of the reported exposures to dimethyl fumarate occurred during the first trimester of pregnancy (see Data). In animals, adverse effects on offspring survival, growth, sexual maturation, and neurobehavioral function were observed when dimethyl fumarate (DMF) was administered during pregnancy and lactation at clinically relevant doses (see Data). The background risk of major birth defects and miscarriage for the indicated population is unknown. All pregnancies have a background risk of birth defect, loss, or other adverse outcomes. In the U.S. general population, the estimated background risk of major birth defects and miscarriage in clinically recognized pregnancies is 2-4% and 15-20%, respectively. Lactation - There are no data on the presence of DMF or MMF in human milk. The effects on the breastfed infant and on milk production are unknown. Patients should call their healthcare provider if they are breastfeeding or plan to breastfeed because it is not known if BAFIERTAM passes into breast milk. Pediatric Use - Safety and effectiveness in pediatric patients have not been established. Geriatric Use - Clinical studies of dimethyl fumarate (the prodrug of BAFIERTAM) and of BAFIERTAM did not include sufficient numbers of patients aged 65 and over to determine whether they respond differently from younger patients. Please click here for Important Safety Information and full Prescribing Information , including Patient Information for BAFIERTAM. About TASCENSO ODT ® INDICATIONS TASCENSO ODT is a prescription medicine used to treat relapsing forms of multiple sclerosis (MS), to include clinically isolated syndrome, relapsing-remitting disease, and active secondary progressive disease, in adults and children 10 years of age and older. CONTRAINDICATIONS Do not take TASCENSO ODT if: In the last 6 months you experienced heart attack, unstable angina, stroke or mini-stroke (transient ischemic attack or TIA), or certain types of heart failure. You have an irregular or abnormal heartbeat (arrhythmia), including a heart finding called prolonged QT as seen on an ECG, or if you take medicines that change your heart rhythm. You are allergic to fingolimod or any of the other ingredients. IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION Warnings and Precautions TASCENSO ODT may cause serious side effects. TASCENSO ODT can slow your heart rate, therefore you will be monitored after the first dose. There is an increased risk of serious infections, some of which can be life threatening; contact your doctor if you develop any symptoms of infections. You may experience shortness of breath and increased blood pressure. Progressive Multifocal Leukoencephalopathy (PML), a rare brain infection, has occurred in patients taking fingolimod; call your doctor immediately if you experience symptoms including weakness on one side of the body or clumsiness of limbs, disturbance of vision, and changes in thinking, memory, and orientation leading to confusion and personality changes. If PML is confirmed, treatment should be stopped. Your doctor will monitor you for the development of Immune Reconstitution Inflammatory Syndrome (PML-IRIS), which has been reported in patients who stopped treatment after developing PML. Macular edema, a vision problem that can cause some of the same vision symptoms as an MS attack may occur; call your doctor immediately if you have any vision changes. TASCENSO ODT may cause liver damage; call your doctor immediately if you experience unexplained nausea, abdominal pain, fatigue, anorexia, jaundice and/or dark urine. Rare cases of Posterior Reversible Encephalopathy Syndrome in adults have been reported with fingolimod; call your doctor immediately if you experience sudden onset of severe headaches, altered mental status, visual disturbances or seizures. TASCENSO ODT may cause harm to your unborn baby; speak to your doctor before becoming pregnant. Stopping TASCENSO ODT may cause worsening of your MS symptoms, consult a doctor before stopping treatment. Malignancies have been associated with fingolimod treatment; limit exposure to sunlight and call your doctor if you have any changes in skin appearance. You may experience a hypersensitivity reaction; call your doctor if you experience rash, urticaria and angioedema. TASCENSO ODT remains in the blood and can continue to have effects up to two months after treatment. Adverse Reactions The most common side effects with fingolimod are headache, abnormal liver tests, diarrhea, cough, flu, inflammation of the sinuses, back pain, stomach pain, and pain in arms and legs. If you have any new or worsening negative side effects whilst taking TASCENSO ODT you should immediately call you doctor. Tell your doctor about all your medical conditions and all medicines you take, before starting treatment. If you take too much TASCENSO ODT immediately call your doctor or go to the nearest hospital emergency room. For more detailed information, please refer to the full Prescribing Information at www.tascenso.com/PI . For more detailed information, please refer to the Medication Guide - www.tascenso.com/MG . To report SUSPECTED ADVERSE REACTIONS, contact Cycle Pharmaceuticals Ltd at 1-888-533-1625 or the FDA at: 1-800-FDA-1088 or www.fda.gov/medwatch . References Healthline. (2022). Multiple Sclerosis: Facts, Statistics, and You. [online] Available via: https://www.healthline.com/health/multiple-sclerosis/facts-statistics-infographic#risk-factors [Accessed Jan 13 2025]. American Academy of Neurology. (2001). Substitution of Generic Drugs May Cause Problems for Epilepsy Patients. [online] Available via: https://www.aan.com/PressRoom/home/PressRelease/115 [Accessed Jan 13 2025]. Okuda DT, et al. (2024). Clinical and radiological implications of subpotent generic fingolimod in multiple sclerosis: a case series. Therapeutic Advances in Neurological Disorders. 2024;17, 17562864241300047. Available at: https://doi/10.1177/17562864241300047 [Accessed: Jan 13 2025]. *Some areas of support may not be accessible to all patients. Eligibility criteria may apply to ensure compliance with all applicable federal and state requirements, and benefits may be limited to commercially insured patients only. For more detailed information about eligibility, terms and conditions, please contact the Cycle Vita team at 888-360-8482 or visit www.cyclevita.life . BAFIERTAM ® is a registered trademark of Banner Life Sciences, LLC. TASCENSO ODT ® is a registered trademark of Handa Neuroscience, LLC. Cycle Vita™ is a trademark of Cycle Pharmaceuticals Limited. ©2025 Cycle Pharmaceuticals Limited. All rights reserved. About Cycle Pharmaceuticals Cycle Pharmaceuticals was founded in 2012 with the sole aim of delivering drug treatments and product support to the underserved rare disease patient community. Cycle focuses on rare metabolic, immunological, and neurological genetic conditions. Within neurological conditions, we focus on multiple sclerosis. Cycle is headquartered in Cambridge, UK and has offices in Boston, Massachusetts. For more information, please visit www.cyclepharma.com and follow us on X , LinkedIn and Facebook .