CAMBRIDGE, Mass.--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Foundation Medicine, Inc., a leader in molecular profiling for cancer, today announced that it has received approval from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for FoundationOne®Liquid CDx to be used as a companion diagnostic for EXKIVITY® (mobocertinib), which is currently FDA-approved for adult patients with locally advanced or metastatic non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) with epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) exon 20 insertion mutations as detected by an FDA-approved test, whose disease has progressed on or after platinum-based chemotherapy. For full Indication, Important Safety Information and link to the Prescribing Information, please see ‘About Exkivity’ below. FoundationOne Liquid CDx is the only blood-based comprehensive genomic profiling (CGP) test that is FDA-approved to detect EGFR exon 20 insertion mutations to identify patients who may be appropriate for treatment with EXKIVITY.
Non-small cell lung cancer is the most common form of lung cancer, accounting for 80-85% of lung cancer diagnoses.1 Approximately 1-2% of patients with NSCLC have EGFR exon 20 insertion mutations, which are more common in Asian populations compared to Western populations.2-6
“EGFR exon 20 insertion-positive NSCLC is a rare and historically underdiagnosed disease that requires a targeted treatment approach at the molecular level due to its unique mutation,” said Stefanie Granado, head, U.S. Oncology Business Unit, Takeda. “The approval of this indication for Foundation Medicine’s blood-based companion diagnostic test is another important step forward to expand the identification of patients in the U.S. with this rare cancer and improve access for people who may benefit from treatment with EXKIVITY, including those unable to undergo tumor biopsy.”
Foundation Medicine’s two FDA-approved tests meet rigorous analytical and clinical validation standards. From a simple blood sample, FoundationOne Liquid CDx analyzes more than 300 cancer-related genes for genomic alterations that cause cancer to grow.
“Cancer is an incredibly complex disease, so it’s critical that oncologists leverage companion diagnostics, which are high-quality, well-validated genomic tests, to inform treatment decisions for their patients,” said Mia Levy, MD, PhD, chief medical officer at Foundation Medicine. “We’re proud of the work we’ve done with Takeda to develop blood and tissue-based companion diagnostics for therapies in their precision oncology pipeline, including this recent approval for EXKIVITY.”
“People living with rare forms of lung cancer like EGFR exon 20 insertion mutated NSCLC often face limited treatment options,” said Danielle Hicks, chief patient officer at GO2 for Lung Cancer. “It’s encouraging to see continued progress toward improving access to new treatment options for patients living with advanced non-small cell lung cancer.”
About FoundationOne®Liquid CDx
FoundationOne®Liquid CDx is for prescription use only and is a qualitative next-generation sequencing based in vitro diagnostic test for advanced cancer patients with solid tumors. The test analyzes 324 genes utilizing circulating cell-free DNA and is FDA-approved to report short variants in 311 genes and as a companion diagnostic to identify patients who may benefit from treatment with specific therapies (listed in Table 1 of the Intended Use) in accordance with the approved therapeutic product labeling. Additional genomic findings may be reported and are not prescriptive or conclusive for labeled use of any specific therapeutic product. Use of the test does not guarantee a patient will be matched to a treatment. A negative result does not rule out the presence of an alteration. When considering eligibility for certain therapies for which FoundationOne Liquid CDx is a companion diagnostic, testing of plasma is only appropriate where tumor tissue is not available. Patients who are negative for other companion diagnostic mutations should be reflexed to tumor tissue testing and mutation status confirmed using an FDA-approved tumor tissue test, if feasible. For the complete label, including companion diagnostic indications and complete risk information, please visit .
About FoundationOne CDx
FoundationOne CDx is a next-generation sequencing based in vitro diagnostic device for detection of substitutions, insertion and deletion alterations (indels), and copy number alterations (CNAs) in 324 genes and select gene rearrangements, as well as genomic signatures including microsatellite instability (MSI) and tumor mutational burden (TMB) using DNA isolated from formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded (FFPE) tumor tissue specimens. FoundationOne CDx is for prescription use only and is intended as a companion diagnostic to identify patients who may benefit from treatment with certain targeted therapies in accordance with their approved therapeutic product labeling. Additionally, FoundationOne CDx is intended to provide tumor mutation profiling to be used by qualified health care professionals in accordance with professional guidelines in oncology for patients with solid malignant neoplasms. Use of the test does not guarantee a patient will be matched to a treatment. A negative result does not rule out the presence of an alteration. Some patients may require a biopsy. For a full list of targeted therapies for which FoundationOne CDx is indicated as a companion diagnostic, please visit .
About Foundation Medicine: Your Essential Partner in Cancer Care
Foundation Medicine is a pioneer in molecular profiling for cancer, working to shape the future of clinical care and research. We collaborate with a broad range of partners across the cancer community and strive to set the standard for quality, scientific excellence, and regulatory leadership. Our deep understanding of cancer biology helps physicians make informed treatment decisions for their patients and empowers researchers to develop new medicines. Every day, we are driven to help our partners find answers and take action, enabling more people around the world to benefit from precision cancer care. For more information, please visit us on and follow us on Twitter and LinkedIn.
Foundation Medicine® and FoundationOne® are registered trademarks of Foundation Medicine, Inc.
About EXKIVITY (mobocertinib)
EXKIVITY is indicated for the treatment of adult patients with locally advanced or metastatic non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) with epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) exon 20 insertion mutations, as detected by an FDA-approved test, whose disease has progressed on or after platinum-based chemotherapy.
This indication is approved under accelerated approval based on overall response rate and duration of response. Continued approval for this indication may be contingent upon verification and description of clinical benefit in confirmatory trial(s).
IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION
WARNING: QTc PROLONGATION and TORSADES DE POINTES
See full prescribing information for complete boxed warning.
EXKIVITY can cause life-threatening heart rate-corrected QT (QTc) prolongation, including Torsades de Pointes, which can be fatal, and requires monitoring of QTc and electrolytes at baseline and periodically during treatment. Increase monitoring frequency in patients with risk factors for QTc prolongation.
Avoid use of concomitant drugs which are known to prolong the QTc interval and use of strong or moderate CYP3A inhibitors with EXKIVITY, which may further prolong the QTc.
Withhold, reduce the dose, or permanently discontinue EXKIVITY based on the severity of QTc prolongation.
WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS
QTc Prolongation and Torsades de Pointes
EXKIVITY can cause life-threatening heart rate-corrected QT (QTc) prolongation, including Torsades de Pointes, which can be fatal. In the 250 patient subset of the pooled EXKIVITY safety population who had scheduled and unscheduled electrocardiograms (ECGs), 1.2% of patients had a QTc interval >500 msec and 11% of patients had a change-from-baseline QTc interval >60 msec. Grade 4 Torsades de Pointes occurred in 1 patient (0.4%). Clinical trials of EXKIVITY did not enroll patients with baseline QTc greater than 470 msec.
Assess QTc and electrolytes at baseline and correct abnormalities in sodium, potassium, calcium, and magnesium prior to initiating EXKIVITY. Monitor QTc and electrolytes periodically during treatment. Increase monitoring frequency in patients with risk factors for QTc prolongation, such as patients with congenital long QT syndrome, heart disease, or electrolyte abnormalities. Avoid use of concomitant drugs which are known to prolong the QTc interval. Avoid concomitant use of strong or moderate CYP3A inhibitors with EXKIVITY, which may further prolong the QTc. Withhold, reduce the dose, or permanently discontinue EXKIVITY based on the severity of the QTc prolongation.
Interstitial Lung Disease (ILD)/Pneumonitis
EXKIVITY can cause ILD/pneumonitis, which can be fatal. In the pooled EXKIVITY safety population, ILD/pneumonitis occurred in 4.3% of patients including 0.8% Grade 3 events and 1.2% fatal events. Monitor patients for new or worsening pulmonary symptoms indicative of ILD/pneumonitis. Immediately withhold EXKIVITY in patients with suspected ILD/pneumonitis and permanently discontinue EXKIVITY if ILD/pneumonitis is confirmed.
Cardiac Toxicity
EXKIVITY can cause cardiac toxicity (including decreased ejection fraction, cardiomyopathy, and congestive heart failure) resulting in heart failure which can be fatal. In the pooled EXKIVITY safety population, heart failure occurred in 2.7% of patients including 1.2% Grade 3 reactions, 0.4% Grade 4 reactions, and one (0.4%) fatal case of heart failure.
EXKIVITY can cause QTc prolongation resulting in Torsades de Pointes. Atrial fibrillation (1.6%), ventricular tachycardia (0.4%), first degree atrioventricular block (0.4%), second degree atrioventricular block (0.4%), left bundle branch block (0.4%), supraventricular extrasystoles (0.4%), and ventricular extrasystoles (0.4%) also occurred in patients receiving EXKIVITY. Monitor cardiac function, including assessment of left ventricular ejection fraction at baseline and during treatment. Withhold, reduce the dose, or permanently discontinue EXKIVITY based on the severity.
Diarrhea
EXKIVITY can cause diarrhea, which can be severe. In the pooled EXKIVITY safety population, diarrhea occurred in 93% of patients, including 20% Grade 3 and 0.4% Grade 4. The median time to first onset of diarrhea was 5 days, but diarrhea has occurred within 24 hours after administration of EXKIVITY. In the 48% of patients whose diarrhea resolved, the median time to resolution was 3 days. Diarrhea may lead to dehydration or electrolyte imbalance, with or without renal impairment. Treat diarrhea promptly.
Advise patients to start an antidiarrheal agent (e.g., loperamide) at first sign of diarrhea or increased bowel movement frequency and to increase fluid and electrolyte intake. Monitor electrolytes and withhold, reduce the dose or permanently discontinue EXKIVITY based on the severity.
Embryo-Fetal Toxicity
Based on findings from animal studies and its mechanism of action, EXKIVITY can cause fetal harm when administered to a pregnant woman. Advise pregnant women of the potential risk to a fetus. Advise females of reproductive potential to use effective non-hormonal contraception during treatment with EXKIVITY and for 1 month after the last dose. Advise males with female partners of reproductive potential to use effective contraception during treatment with EXKIVITY and for 1 week after the last dose of EXKIVITY.
To report SUSPECTED ADVERSE REACTIONS, contact Takeda Pharmaceuticals America, Inc. at 1-844-217-6468 or the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or .
Please see full Prescribing Information, including Boxed Warning.
EXKIVITY® is a registered trademark of Takeda.
Source: Foundation Medicine
1 American Cancer Society. What is Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer? .
2 Riess, Jonathan W. Diverse EGFR Exon 20 Insertions and Co-Occurring Molecular Alterations Identified by Comprehensive Genomic Profiling of NSCLC. (18)30770-6/fulltext. Accessed April 7, 2020.
3 Fang, Wenfeng. BMC Cancer. EGFR exon 20 insertion mutations and response to osimertinib in non-small-cell lung cancer. . Accessed April 7, 2020.
4 Kobayashi Y, Mitsudomi T. Not all epidermal growth factor receptor mutations in lung cancer are created equal: Perspectives for individualized treatment strategy. Cancer Sci. 2016;107(9):1179-1186. doi:10.1111/cas.12996
5 Yatabe Y, Kerr KM, Utomo A, et al. EGFR mutation testing practices within the Asia Pacific region: results of a multicenter diagnostic survey. J Thorac Oncol. 2015;10(3):438-445. doi:10.1097/JTO.0000000000000422
6 Kris MG, Johnson BE, Berry LD, et al. Using multiplexed assays of oncogenic drivers in lung cancers to select targeted drugs. JAMA. 2014;311(19):1998-2006. doi:10.1001/jama.2014.3741
