Tremelimumab

LONDON, UK I June 25, 2024 I High-level results from the ADJUVANT BR.31 Phase III trial, sponsored by the Canadian Cancer Trials Group (CCTG), showed Imfinzi (durvalumab) did not achieve statistical significance for the primary endpoint of disease-free survival (DFS) versus placebo in early-stage (IB-IIIA) non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) after complete tumour resection in patients whose tumours express PD-L1 on 25% or more tumour cells. ​Susan Galbraith, Executive Vice President, Oncology R&D, AstraZeneca, said: “We are disappointed in the ADJUVANT BR.31 results. Imfinzi has helped change the treatment landscape and achieved multiple positive Phase III trials for patients with earlier stages of lung cancer. We are committed to addressing the remaining unmet need in lung cancer through our broad development programme.” The safety profile for Imfinzi was consistent with its known safety profile, and no new safety concerns were reported. The data will be shared at a forthcoming medical meeting. Imfinzi is the only approved immunotherapy and the global standard of care in the curative-intent setting of unresectable, Stage III NSCLC in patients whose disease has not progressed after chemoradiotherapy based on the PACIFIC Phase III trial. Imfinzi is also being investigated as monotherapy and in combinations in several other early-stage lung cancer settings, including in medically inoperable or unresected Stage I-II NSCLC (PACIFIC-4) and unresectable, Stage III NSCLC (PACIFIC-5, 8 and 9). Notes Lung cancer Each year, there are an estimated 2.4 million people diagnosed with lung cancer globally. Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer death among both men and women, accounting for about one-fifth of all cancer deaths. 1-2 Lung cancer is broadly split into NSCLC and small cell lung cancer (SCLC), with 80-85% of patients diagnosed with NSCLC. 3-4 The majority of NSCLC patients are diagnosed with advanced disease while approximately 25-30% present with resectable disease at diagnosis. 5-6 Early-stage lung cancer diagnoses are often only made when the cancer is found on imaging for an unrelated condition. 7-8 The majority of patients with resectable disease eventually develop recurrence despite complete tumour resection and adjuvant chemotherapy. 9 Only around 58% of patients with Stage IB disease will survive for five years. This decreases to 36-46% for patients with Stage II and 24% for patients with Stage IIIA disease, reflecting a high unmet medical need. 10 ADJUVANT BR.31 ADJUVANT BR.31 is a randomised, multi-centre, double-blind Phase III trial sponsored by CCTG evaluating Imfinzi in the adjuvant treatment of 1,415 patients with Stage IB (≥4cm), II or IIIA (Seventh Edition AJCC Cancer Staging Manual) NSCLC following complete tumour resection with or without adjuvant chemotherapy. AstraZeneca provided Imfinzi and support for the trial. Patients were randomised 2:1 to receive a 20mg/kgIV infusion of Imfinzi or placebo every four weeks for up to 48 weeks. The trial is being conducted at 269 centres across 19 countries and regions including in Canada, the US, Australia, Europe and Asia. The primary endpoint is DFS in patients whose tumours express PD-L1 on 25% or more tumour cells and do not have known common EGFR mutations or ALK rearrangements. Key secondary endpoints include DFS in patients whose tumours express PD-L1 on 1% or more of cells and in patients regardless of PD-L1 tumour cell expression status, overall survival and safety. DFS is defined as time from randomisation to date of first recurrence, new cancer or death from any cause and is recognised as an important clinical measure by both physicians and patients. Canadian Cancer Trials Group (CCTG) CCTG is an academic cancer clinical trials research cooperative that runs Phase I-III trials to test anti-cancer and supportive therapies at over 85 hospitals and cancer centres across Canada. From the operations centre at Queen’s University, CCTG has supported more than 600 trials enrolling 100,000 patients from 40 countries on 6 continents through a global network of 20,000 investigators and clinical trial staff. CCTG is a national program of the Canadian Cancer Society, and their aim is to improve survival and quality of life for all people with cancer. Imfinz i Imfinzi (durvalumab) is a human monoclonal antibody that binds to the PD-L1 protein and blocks the interaction of PD-L1 with the PD-1 and CD80 proteins, countering the tumour’s immune-evading tactics and releasing the inhibition of immune responses. Imfinzi is the only approved immunotherapy and the global standard of care in the curative-intent setting of unresectable, Stage III NSCLC in patients whose disease has not progressed after chemoradiation therapy. Imfinzi is also approved for the treatment of extensive-stage SCLC and in combination with a short course of Imjudo (tremelimumab) and chemotherapy for the treatment of metastatic NSCLC. Imfinzi also demonstrated statistically significant and clinically meaningful event-free survival results in patients with resectable early-stage NSCLC based on the AEGEAN Phase III trial. Imfinzi in combination with neoadjuvant chemotherapy before surgery and as adjuvant monotherapy after surgery is approved for patients in Switzerland based on this trial. In limited-stage SCLC, Imfinzi demonstrated statistically significant and clinically meaningful improvements in the dual primary endpoints of OS and progression-free survival (PFS) compared to placebo in patients who had not progressed following standard-of-care concurrent chemoradiotherapy in the ADRIATIC Phase III trial. In addition to its indications in lung cancers, Imfinzi is approved in combination with chemotherapy (gemcitabine plus cisplatin) in locally advanced or metastatic biliary tract cancer and in combination with Imjudo in unresectable hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Imfinzi is also approved as a monotherapy in unresectable HCC in Japan and the EU and in combination with chemotherapy (carboplatin plus paclitaxel) followed by Imfinzi monotherapy in primary advanced or recurrent endometrial cancer that is mismatch repair deficient in the US. Since the first approval in May 2017, more than 220,000 patients have been treated with Imfinzi . As part of a broad development programme, Imfinzi is being tested as a single treatment and in combinations with other anti-cancer treatments for patients with SCLC, NSCLC, breast cancer, several gastrointestinal and gynaecologic cancers, and other solid tumours. AstraZeneca in lung cancer AstraZeneca is working to bring patients with lung cancer closer to cure through the detection and treatment of early-stage disease, while also pushing the boundaries of science to improve outcomes in the resistant and advanced settings. By defining new therapeutic targets and investigating innovative approaches, the Company aims to match medicines to the patients who can benefit most. The Company’s comprehensive portfolio includes leading lung cancer medicines and the next wave of innovations, including Tagrisso (osimertinib) and Iressa (gefitinib); Imfinzi and Imjudo ; Enhertu (trastuzumab deruxtecan) and datopotamab deruxtecan in collaboration with Daiichi Sankyo; Orpathys (savolitinib) in collaboration with HUTCHMED; as well as a pipeline of potential new medicines and combinations across diverse mechanisms of action. AstraZeneca is a founding member of the Lung Ambition Alliance, a global coalition working to accelerate innovation and deliver meaningful improvements for people with lung cancer, including and beyond treatment. AstraZeneca in immuno-oncology (IO) AstraZeneca is a pioneer in introducing the concept of immunotherapy into dedicated clinical areas of high unmet medical need. The Company has a comprehensive and diverse IO portfolio and pipeline anchored in immunotherapies designed to overcome evasion of the anti-tumour immune response and stimulate the body’s immune system to attack tumours. AstraZeneca strives to redefine cancer care and help transform outcomes for patients with Imfinzi as a monotherapy and in combination with Imjudo as well as other novel immunotherapies and modalities. The Company is also investigating next-generation immunotherapies like bispecific antibodies and therapeutics that harness different aspects of immunity to target cancer, including cell therapy and T cell engagers. AstraZeneca is pursuing an innovative clinical strategy to bring IO-based therapies that deliver long-term survival to new settings across a wide range of cancer types. The Company is focused on exploring novel combination approaches to help prevent treatment resistance and drive longer immune responses. With an extensive clinical programme, the Company also champions the use of IO treatment in earlier disease stages, where there is the greatest potential for cure. AstraZeneca in oncology AstraZeneca is leading a revolution in oncology with the ambition to provide cures for cancer in every form, following the science to understand cancer and all its complexities to discover, develop and deliver life-changing medicines to patients. The Company’s focus is on some of the most challenging cancers. It is through persistent innovation that AstraZeneca has built one of the most diverse portfolios and pipelines in the industry, with the potential to catalyse changes in the practice of medicine and transform the patient experience. AstraZeneca has the vision to redefine cancer care and, one day, eliminate cancer as a cause of death. AstraZeneca AstraZeneca (LSE/STO/Nasdaq: AZN) is a global, science-led biopharmaceutical company that focuses on the discovery, development, and commercialisation of prescription medicines in Oncology, Rare Diseases, and BioPharmaceuticals, including Cardiovascular, Renal & Metabolism, and Respiratory & Immunology. Based in Cambridge, UK, AstraZeneca’s innovative medicines are sold in more than 125 countries and used by millions of patients worldwide. Please visit astrazeneca.com and follow the Company on social media @AstraZeneca . References 1. World Health Organization. International Agency for Research on Cancer. Lung Fact Sheet. Available at: https://gco-iarc-who-int.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/media/globocan/factsheets/cancers/15-trachea-bronchus-and-lung-fact-sheet.pdf . Accessed June 2024. 2. World Health Organization. International Agency for Research on Cancer. World Fact Sheet. Available at: https://gco-iarc-who-int.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/media/globocan/factsheets/populations/900-world-fact-sheet.pdf . Accessed June 2024. 3. LUNGevity Foundation. Types of Lung Cancer. Available at: https://www.lungevity.org/for-patients-caregivers/lung-cancer-101/types-of-lung-cancer . Accessed June 2024. 4. Cheema PK, et al. Perspectives on treatment advances for stage III locally advanced unresectable non-small-cell lung cancer. Curr Oncol . 2019;26(1):37-42. 5. Cagle PT, et al . Lung Cancer Biomarkers: Present Status and Future Developments. Arch Pathol Lab Med. 2013;137(9):1191-1198. 6. Le Chevalier T. Adjuvant Chemotherapy for Resectable Non-Small-Cell Lung Cancer: Where is it Going? Ann Oncol. 2010;21(suppl 7):vii196-198. 7. Sethi S, et al. Incidental Nodule Management – Should There Be a Formal Process? J Thorac Dis . 2016:8(Suppl 6);S494-S497. 8. LUNGevity Foundation. Screening and Early Detection. Available at: https://www.lungevity.org/lung-cancer-basics/screening-early-detection . Accessed June 2024. 9. Pignon JP, et al . Lung Adjuvant Cisplatin Evaluation: A Pooled Analysis by the LACE Collaborative Group. J Clin Oncol. 2008;26(21):3552-3559. 10. Goldstraw P, et al. The IASLC Lung Cancer Staging Project: proposals for the revision of the TNM stage groupings in the forthcoming (seventh) edition of the TNM Classification of malignant tumours. J Thorac Oncol . 2007;2(8):706-14. SOURCE: AstraZeneca

First immunotherapy regimen before and after surgery to extend survival in bladder cancer LONDON, UK I June 25, 2024 I Positive high-level results from the NIAGARA Phase III trial showed AstraZeneca’s Imfinzi (durvalumab) in combination with chemotherapy demonstrated a statistically significant and clinically meaningful improvement in the primary endpoint of event-free survival (EFS) and the key secondary endpoint of overall survival (OS) versus neoadjuvant chemotherapy for patients with muscle-invasive bladder cancer (MIBC). Patients were treated with Imfinzi in combination with neoadjuvant chemotherapy before cystectomy (surgery to remove the bladder) followed by Imfinzi as adjuvant monotherapy. Approximately one in four patients with bladder cancer has evidence of the tumour invading the muscle wall of the bladder (without distant metastases), known as MIBC. 1,2 In the MIBC setting, approximately 117,000 patients are treated with current standard of care. 3 Standard treatment includes neoadjuvant chemotherapy and radical cystectomy. 4 However, even after cystectomy, patients experience high rates of recurrence and a poor prognosis. 4 Professor Thomas Powles, MD, Professor, Director of Barts Cancer Centre (QMUL), London, UK, and investigator in the trial, said: “Nearly half of patients with muscle-invasive bladder cancer who receive standard of care still experience disease recurrence or progression. These NIAGARA data show for the first time that adding durvalumab to chemotherapy before surgery followed by durvalumab extends patients’ lives.” Susan Galbraith, Executive Vice President, Oncology R&D, AstraZeneca, said: “The NIAGARA results support our strategy to move immunotherapy to the early stages of cancer treatment. This perioperative regimen with Imfinzi improved survival and reduced the rate at which patients experience disease recurrence or progression. We are eager to bring this regimen with the potential to transform the standard of care to patients as soon as possible.” Imfinzi was generally well-tolerated and no new safety concerns were observed in either the neoadjuvant or adjuvant setting. The safety profile of Imfinzi and neoadjuvant chemotherapy was consistent with the known profile of the individual medicines. The addition of Imfinzi did not increase the discontinuation rate due to adverse events and did not compromise patients’ ability to complete surgery compared to neoadjuvant chemotherapy alone. These data will be presented at a forthcoming medical meeting and shared with global regulatory authorities. Notes Muscle-invasive bladder cancer Bladder cancer is the 9th most common cancer in the world, with more than 614,000 patients diagnosed each year. 5 The most common type of bladder cancer is urothelial carcinoma, which begins in the urothelial cells of the urinary tract. 6 Muscle-invasive bladder cancer, named for its growth into the muscle wall of the bladder, accounts for about a quarter of all bladder cancer cases. 1,2 Approximately 50% of patients who undergo bladder removal surgery experience disease recurrence. 4 Treatment options that prevent disease recurrence after surgery are critically needed. NIAGARA NIAGARA is a randomised, open-label, multi-centre, global Phase III trial evaluating Imfinzi as treatment for patients with MIBC before and after radical cystectomy. In the trial, 1063 patients were randomised to receive Imfinzi plus chemotherapy or chemotherapy alone prior to cystectomy, followed by Imfinzi or no further treatment after surgery. The trial is being conducted at 192 centres across 22 countries and regions including in North America, South America, Europe, Australia and Asia. Its dual primary endpoints are EFS, defined as the time from treatment randomisation to an event like tumour recurrence or progression and pathologic complete response. Key secondary endpoints are OS and safety. Imfinzi Imfinzi (durvalumab) is a human monoclonal antibody that binds to the PD-L1 protein and blocks the interaction of PD-L1 with the PD-1 and CD80 proteins, countering the tumour’s immune-evading tactics and releasing the inhibition of immune responses. Imfinzi is the only approved immunotherapy and the global standard of care in the curative-intent setting of unresectable, Stage III non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) in patients whose disease has not progressed after chemoradiation therapy. Imfinzi is also approved for the treatment of extensive-stage small cell lung cancer (SCLC) and in combination with a short course of Imjudo (tremelimumab) and chemotherapy for the treatment of metastatic NSCLC. Imfinzi in combination with neoadjuvant platinum-containing chemotherapy before surgery and as adjuvant monotherapy after surgery has been approved in Switzerland for the treatment of adult patients with resectable NSCLC and no known epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) mutations or anaplastic lymphoma kinase (ALK) rearrangements. In addition to its indications in lung cancers, Imfinzi is approved in combination with chemotherapy (gemcitabine plus cisplatin) in locally advanced or metastatic biliary tract cancer and in combination with Imjudo in unresectable hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Imfinzi is also approved as a monotherapy in unresectable HCC in Japan and the EU and in combination with chemotherapy (carboplatin plus paclitaxel) followed by Imfinzi monotherapy in primary advanced or recurrent endometrial cancer that is mismatch repair deficient in the US. Since the first approval in May 2017, more than 220,000 patients have been treated with Imfinzi . As part of a broad development programme, Imfinzi is being tested as a single treatment and in combinations with other anti-cancer treatments for patients with SCLC, NSCLC, breast cancer, several gastrointestinal and gynaecologic cancers, and other solid tumours. Imfinzi is being tested across early- and late-stage bladder cancer in various treatment combinations, including in non-muscle invasive disease (POTOMAC), patients with MIBC who are cisplatin-ineligible or refusing cisplatin (VOLGA) and locally advanced or metastatic disease (NILE). AstraZeneca in immuno-oncology (IO) AstraZeneca is a pioneer in introducing the concept of immunotherapy into dedicated clinical areas of high unmet medical need. The Company has a comprehensive and diverse IO portfolio and pipeline anchored in immunotherapies designed to overcome evasion of the anti-tumour immune response and stimulate the body’s immune system to attack tumours. AstraZeneca strives to redefine cancer care and help transform outcomes for patients with Imfinzi as a monotherapy and in combination with Imjudo as well as other novel immunotherapies and modalities. The Company is also investigating next-generation immunotherapies like bispecific antibodies as well as therapeutics that harness different aspects of immunity to target cancer, including cell therapy and T cell engagers. AstraZeneca is pursuing an innovative clinical strategy to bring IO-based therapies that deliver long-term survival to new settings across a wide range of cancer types. The Company is focused on exploring novel combination approaches to help prevent treatment resistance and drive longer immune responses. With an extensive clinical programme, the Company also champions the use of IO treatment in earlier disease stages, where there is the greatest potential for cure. AstraZeneca in oncology AstraZeneca is leading a revolution in oncology with the ambition to provide cures for cancer in every form, following the science to understand cancer and all its complexities to discover, develop and deliver life-changing medicines to patients. The Company’s focus is on some of the most challenging cancers. It is through persistent innovation that AstraZeneca has built one of the most diverse portfolios and pipelines in the industry, with the potential to catalyse changes in the practice of medicine and transform the patient experience. AstraZeneca has the vision to redefine cancer care and, one day, eliminate cancer as a cause of death. AstraZeneca AstraZeneca (LSE/STO/Nasdaq: AZN) is a global, science-led biopharmaceutical company that focuses on the discovery, development, and commercialisation of prescription medicines in Oncology, Rare Diseases, and BioPharmaceuticals, including Cardiovascular, Renal & Metabolism, and Respiratory & Immunology. Based in Cambridge, UK, AstraZeneca’s innovative medicines are sold in more than 125 countries and used by millions of patients worldwide. Please visit astrazeneca.com and follow the Company on social media @AstraZeneca. References 1. Burger M, et al. Epidemiology and Risk Factors of Urothelial Bladder Cancer. Eur Urol . 2013;63(2):234-241. 2. National Collaborating Centre for Cancer. Bladder Cancer: Diagnosis and Management. London: National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE). Available at: https://www-ncbi-nlm-nih-gov.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/books/NBK356289/. Accessed June 2024. 3. Cerner CancerMPact database. Accessed June 2024. Reflects epidemiology estimates across G8 countries (US, EU, Japan, China). 4. Witjes JA, et al. EAU Guidelines on muscle-invasive and metastatic bladder cancer. Eur Urol . 2021;1-94. 5. World Health Organization. International Agency for Research on Cancer. Bladder Fact Sheet. Available at: https://gco-iarc-who-int.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/media/globocan/factsheets/cancers/30-bladder-fact-sheet.pdf. Accessed June 2024. 6. American Cancer Society. What Is Bladder Cancer? Available at: https://www.cancer.org/cancer/bladder-cancer/about/what-is-bladder-cancer.html. Accessed June 2024. SOURCE: AstraZeneca