Venetoclax

BASEL, Switzerland I April 14, 2025 I Roche (SIX: RO, ROG; OTCQX: RHHBY) announced today that the European Commission has approved Columvi® (glofitamab) in combination with gemcitabine and oxaliplatin (GemOx) for the treatment of adult patients with relapsed or refractory (R/R) diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL) not otherwise specified who are ineligible for autologous stem cell transplant (ASCT). With this approval, this Columvi combination is the first bispecific antibody regimen available for people with DLBCL in Europe whose cancer has returned or for those who did not respond to initial treatment. In July 2023, Columvi received a conditional marketing authorisation to treat people with R/R DLBCL after two or more lines of systemic therapy. In addition to today’s approval, a condition to convert the existing marketing authorisation to a regular approval has been fulfilled. “Columvi is the first treatment of its kind to improve survival outcomes for people with DLBCL whose cancer has returned after first-line therapy,” said Levi Garraway, MD, PhD, Roche’s Chief Medical Officer and Head of Global Product Development. “With this approval, Columvi can now benefit patients even earlier in their treatment, adding to its existing value as an important treatment for DLBCL.” “People with R/R DLBCL not eligible for ASCT represent a challenging population, especially those with primary refractory disease or early relapse whose need for a readily accessible and effective therapy is insufficiently addressed globally,” said Franck Morschhauser, MD, PhD, Professor of Haematology, University Hospital Lille and STARGLO study investigator. “This new Columvi combination is immediately available if a patient’s cancer returns or doesn’t respond to first-line therapy, which is a welcome addition to manage DLBCL.” Approval is based on results from the pivotal phase III STARGLO study, where Columvi in combination with GemOx demonstrated a statistically significant and clinically meaningful overall survival (OS) improvement versus MabThera®/Rituxan® (rituximab) and GemOx (R-GemOx) in people with R/R DLBCL. 1,2 In the primary analysis (conducted after a median follow-up of 11.3 months), there was a 41% reduction in the risk of death in patients treated with Columvi plus GemOx versus R-GemOx (hazard ratio [HR]=0.59, 95% CI: 0.40-0.89, p=0.011). The Columvi combination also met its key secondary endpoints, with a 63% reduction in risk of disease worsening or death (progression-free survival, PFS) compared to R-GemOx (HR=0.37; 95% CI: 0.25–0.55, p<0.0001). 1,2 Follow-up analyses were conducted after all patients had completed therapy (median follow-up of 20.7 months), showing a 25.5 month median OS for people treated with the Columvi combination, nearly double what was seen for people treated with R-GemOx at 12.9 months (HR=0.62, 95% CI: 0.43-0.88). 1,2 Additionally, more than twice as many patients experienced a complete response (58.5% versus 25.3% respectively, with a difference of 33.2% [95% CI: 20.9-45.5]). 1,2 Safety of the combination was consistent with the known safety profiles of the individual medicines. 1,2 DLBCL is an aggressive (fast-growing) type of lymphoma and is one of the most prevalent types of blood cancer among adults. In Europe, an estimated 38,000 people are diagnosed with DLBCL each year. 3,4 Approximately four out of ten DLBCL patients will relapse after first-line treatment and the majority of patients who require subsequent lines of therapy have poor outcomes. 5,6 Whilst second-line treatment advances have been made, challenges with the accessibility of existing medicines and the aggressive nature of DLBCL underscores the urgent need for immediately available treatment options that can control the disease and improve survival. 7 Columvi in combination with GemOx offers an ‘’off-the-shelf’’ treatment regimen, readily available for infusion in any setting, meaning patients can avoid delays in starting their next treatment. Columvi is also designed to be given for a fixed period offering a target end date for people’s course of therapy and the possibility of a treatment-free period after completion. Columvi, along with Lunsumio® (mosunetuzumab), is part of Roche’s industry-leading CD20xCD3 bispecific antibody programme. Together with the clinical development of off-the-shelf allogeneic CAR T-therapies, Roche aims to provide tailored treatment options that suit the diverse needs, preferences, and experiences of people with blood cancers and healthcare systems. About the STARGLO study The STARGLO study [GO41944; NCT04408638 ] is a phase III, multicentre, open-label, randomised study evaluating the efficacy and safety of Columvi® (glofitamab) in combination with gemcitabine plus oxaliplatin (GemOx) versus MabThera®/Rituxan® (rituximab) in combination with GemOx in patients with relapsed or refractory diffuse large B-cell lymphoma who have received at least one prior line of therapy and who are not candidates for autologous stem cell transplant, or who have received two or more prior lines of therapy. Preclinical research indicated an increased antitumour effect when combining Columvi with GemOx over GemOx alone, so the STARGLO study was initiated to further explore the potential complementary effects of the treatment combination. Outcome measures include overall survival (primary endpoint), progression-free survival, complete response rate, objective response rate, duration of objective response (secondary endpoints), and safety and tolerability. About Columvi® (glofitamab) Columvi is a CD20xCD3 T-cell engaging bispecific antibody designed to target CD3 on the surface of T cells and CD20 on the surface of B cells. Columvi was designed with a novel 2:1 structural format. This T-cell engaging bispecific antibody is engineered to have one region that binds to CD3, a protein on T cells, a type of immune cell, and two regions that bind to CD20, a protein on B cells, which can be healthy or malignant. This dual-targeting brings the T cell in close proximity to the B cell, activating the release of cancer cell-killing proteins from the T cell. Columvi is part of Roche’s broad and industry-leading CD20xCD3 T-cell-engaging bispecific antibody clinical development programme that also includes Lunsumio® (mosunetuzumab), which aims to provide tailored treatment options that suit the diverse needs, preferences, and experiences of people with blood cancers and healthcare systems. Roche is investigating Columvi as a monotherapy and in combination with other medicines for the treatment of diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL) and mantle cell lymphoma. As part of Roche’s efforts to elevate treatment standards in the earlier stages of DLBCL, where there is the best opportunity to improve long-term outcomes and prevent relapse, Columvi is also being investigated in combination with Polivy® (polatuzumab vedotin) and MabThera®/Rituxan® (rituximab), cyclophosphamide, doxorubicin and prednisone (R-CHP) in previously untreated DLBCL in the phase III SKYGLO study [GO44145; NCT06047080 ]. About diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL) DLBCL is an aggressive (fast-growing) type of non-Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL) and the most common form, accounting for about one in three cases of NHL. 3 Approximately 160,000 people worldwide are diagnosed with DLBCL each year. 3,8 While it is generally responsive to treatment in the frontline, as many as 40% of people will relapse or have refractory disease, at which time salvage therapy options are limited and survival is short. 5,6 Improving treatments earlier in the course of the disease and providing much needed alternative options could help to improve long-term outcomes. About Roche in haematology Roche has been developing medicines for people with malignant and non-malignant blood diseases for more than 25 years; our experience and knowledge in this therapeutic area runs deep. Today, we are investing more than ever in our effort to bring innovative treatment options to patients across a wide range of haematologic diseases. Our approved medicines include MabThera®/Rituxan® (rituximab), Gazyva®/Gazyvaro® (obinutuzumab), Polivy® (polatuzumab vedotin), Venclexta®/Venclyxto® (venetoclax) in collaboration with AbbVie, Hemlibra® (emicizumab), PiaSky® (crovalimab), Lunsumio® (mosunetuzumab) and Columvi® (glofitamab). Our pipeline of investigational haematology medicines includes T-cell engaging bispecific antibody cevostamab, targeting both FcRH5 and CD3 and Tecentriq® (atezolizumab). Our scientific expertise, combined with the breadth of our portfolio and pipeline, also provides a unique opportunity to develop combination regimens that aim to improve the lives of patients even further. About Roche Founded in 1896 in Basel, Switzerland, as one of the first industrial manufacturers of branded medicines, Roche has grown into the world’s largest biotechnology company and the global leader in in-vitro diagnostics. The company pursues scientific excellence to discover and develop medicines and diagnostics for improving and saving the lives of people around the world. We are a pioneer in personalised healthcare and want to further transform how healthcare is delivered to have an even greater impact. To provide the best care for each person we partner with many stakeholders and combine our strengths in Diagnostics and Pharma with data insights from the clinical practice. For over 125 years, sustainability has been an integral part of Roche’s business. As a science-driven company, our greatest contribution to society is developing innovative medicines and diagnostics that help people live healthier lives. Roche is committed to the Science Based Targets initiative and the Sustainable Markets Initiative to achieve net zero by 2045. Genentech, in the United States, is a wholly owned member of the Roche Group. Roche is the majority shareholder in Chugai Pharmaceutical, Japan. For more information, please visit www.roche.com . All trademarks used or mentioned in this release are protected by law. References [1] Abramson J, et al. Glofitamab plus Gemcitabine and Oxaliplatin (Glofit-GemOx) for Relapsed/Refractory (R/R) Diffuse Large B-Cell Lymphoma (DLBCL): Results of a Global Randomized Phase III trial (STARGLO). Presented at: EHA Hybrid Congress; 2024 Jun 3-16. Abstract #LB3438. [2] Abramson J, et al. Glofitamab plus gemcitabine and oxaliplatin (GemOx) versus rituximab-GemOx for relapsed or refractory diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (STARGLO): a global phase 3, randomised, open-label trial. Lancet 2024; 404 (10466): 1940-1954. [3] UpToDate. Patient education: Diffuse large B cell lymphoma in adults (Beyond the Basics). [Internet; cited 2025 April]. Available from: https://www.uptodate.com/contents/diffuse-large-b-cell-lymphoma-in-adults-beyond-the-basics . [4] World Health Organization. Numbers derived from GLOBOCAN 2022. Europe Factsheet [Internet; cited 2025 April]. Available from: https://gco.iarc.who.int/media/globocan/factsheets/populations/908-europe-fact-sheet.pdf . [5] Maurer MJ, Ghesquières H, Jais JP, et al. Event-free survival at 24 months is a robust end point for disease-related outcome in diffuse large B-cell lymphoma treated with immunochemotherapy. J Clin Oncol. 2014;32(10):1066-1073. [6] Sehn LH, et al. Diffuse Large B-Cell Lymphoma. N Engl J Med. 2021;384(9):842-858. [7] Fabbri N, Mussetti A and Sureda A. Second-line treatment of diffuse large B-cell lymphoma: Evolution of options. Semin Hematol 2023; 60(5): 305–312. [8] World Health Organization. Numbers derived from GLOBOCAN 2022. Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma Factsheet [Internet; cited 2025 April]. Available from: https://gco.iarc.who.int/media/globocan/factsheets/cancers/34-non-hodgkin-lymphoma-fact-sheet.pdf . SOURCE: Roche

- 8.9 Months Median Overall Survival (mOS) in Patients with AML-Myelodysplasia-Related Changes (AML-MRC) and 8.8 mOS in All Relapsed or Refractory to Venetoclax-Based Regimens Patients; Surpassing Historical Benchmark of 2.5 Months - - Overall Response Rate (ORR) of 67% Achieved in Patients with AML-MRC (Target Patient Population of SLS009 in r/r AML) – Exceeding Targeted 20% ORR - - Trial Continues with Full Data and FDA Regulatory Path Feedback Expected in 1H 2025 – April 08, 2025 -- SELLAS Life Sciences Group, Inc. (NASDAQ: SLS) (“SELLAS” or the “Company”), a late-stage clinical biopharmaceutical company focused on the development of novel therapies for a broad range of cancer indications, today announced Cohort 3 data from the ongoing Phase 2 trial of SLS009 (tambiciclib), a highly selective CDK9 inhibitor, in relapsed/refractory acute myeloid leukemia (r/r AML). “The remarkable results from Cohort 3 of the ongoing Phase 2 trial reinforce the potential of SLS009 to transform outcomes for these heavily pretreated AML patients,” said Angelos Stergiou, MD, ScD h.c., President and Chief Executive Officer of SELLAS. “Not only have we observed unprecedented survival benefits, but the high response rate underscores the therapy’s efficacy profile. The data reveal that relapsed or refractory to venetoclax-based regimens patients receiving 30 mg BIW achieved a mOS of 8.8 months, far surpassing the historical benchmark of 2.5 months. Additionally, the therapy demonstrated a 67% ORR in patients with AML-MRC and 46% in all evaluable patients, significantly exceeding the targeted 20% ORR. With responses seen across different genetic mutations, this approach could be transformational for many underserved patients. We are continuing to explore SLS009's potential in expansion cohorts to further validate its potential to address critical unmet medical needs.” 14 relapsed and refractory AML patients who previously failed venetoclax-based therapies were enrolled and treated with SLS009 and venetoclax/azacitidine in Cohort 3. 10 out of 14 patients (71%) had AML MRC (acute myeloid leukemia with myelodysplasia-related cytogenetics). 4 of those patients had myelomonocytic phenotype (M4 per FAB classification). The myelomonocytic phenotype has been shown to exhibit inferior responses to venetoclax-based therapies. It is thought to depend more on the MCL1 anti-apoptotic protein than on the BCL2 anti-apoptotic protein. In terms of specific mutations, 6 patients had ASXL1, 5 had RUNX1 and 3 had TP53. The median age was 71 (range 35-89 years). The median number of prior failed therapy was 1 (range 1-6). 13/14 patients were evaluable for efficacy. All patients had adverse risk cytogenetics per ELN 2022. The median overall survival (mOS) for all patients in Cohort 3 was 8.8 months, while the mOS in AML MRC patients reached 8.9 months. The overall response rate (ORR) in all evaluable patients was 46% in all Cohort 3 patients and 67% in AML-MRC patients, far exceeding the targeted ORR of 20%. In the subgroup of patients with myelomonocytic AML, 75% of patients responded (3 out of 4). Among patients with mutation ASXL1, 4/6 (67%) responded; among those with RUNX1 3/5 (60%) responded, and among those with TP53 1/3 (33%) responded. In addition, there were 3 patients with adverse karyotypes and 1 responded. SLS009 was well-tolerated with no new safety signals observed to date as the regimen remains safe in additional patients enrolled to date. Phase 2 trial continues in expansion cohorts 4 and 5, in patients with AML-myelodysplasia-related changes (AML-MRC) with ASXL1 mutation (cohort 4) and mutations and cytogenic changes other than ASXL1 (cohort 5). The Phase 2 clinical trial of SLS009 is an open-label, single-arm, multi-center study designed to evaluate the safety, tolerability, and efficacy of SLS009 in combination with venetoclax and azacitidine at two dose levels, 45 and 60 mg. In the 60 mg dose cohort patients were treated at either a 60 mg dose once per week or a 30 mg dose two times per week. The trial was expanded to include two additional cohorts, one with ASXL1 mutated AML patients and one with patients with myelodysplasia-related molecular abnormalities other than ASXL1. The target response rate at the optimal dose level is 20% with a target median survival of at least 3 months. In addition, the study aims to identify biomarkers for the target patient population and enrichment for further trials. For more information on the study, visit clinicaltrial.gov identifier NCT04588922. SELLAS is a late-stage clinical biopharmaceutical company focused on the development of novel therapeutics for a broad range of cancer indications. SELLAS’ lead product candidate, GPS, is licensed from Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center and targets the WT1 protein, which is present in an array of tumor types. GPS has the potential as a monotherapy and combination with other therapies to address a broad spectrum of hematologic malignancies and solid tumor indications. The Company is also developing SLS009 (tambiciclib) - potentially the first and best-in-class differentiated small molecule CDK9 inhibitor with reduced toxicity and increased potency compared to other CDK9 inhibitors. Data suggests that SLS009 demonstrated a high response rate in AML patients with unfavorable prognostic factors including ASXL1 mutation, commonly associated with poor prognosis in various myeloid diseases. The content above comes from the network. if any infringement, please contact us to modify.