− Approval Based on Results from Positive, Global, Phase 3 FRESCO-2 Trial
− FRUZAQLA (fruquintinib) is the First Novel Targeted Therapy in the EU for Metastatic Colorectal Cancer (mCRC) Regardless of Biomarker Status in Over a Decade
OSAKA, Japan & CAMBRIDGE, MA, USA I June 21, 2024 I Takeda (TSE:4502/NYSE:TAK) today announced that the European Commission (EC) approved FRUZAQLA (fruquintinib) as a monotherapy indicated for the treatment of adult patients with metastatic colorectal cancer (mCRC) who have been previously treated with available standard therapies, including fluoropyrimidine-, oxaliplatin-, and irinotecan-based chemotherapies, anti-VEGF agents, and anti-EGFR agents, and who have progressed on or are intolerant to treatment with either trifluridine-tipiracil or regorafenib. The decision follows a positive opinion from the Committee for Medicinal Products for Human Use (CHMP) on April 25, 2024, and approval by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for adults with mCRC who have been previously treated with oxaliplatin- and irinotecan-based regimens on November 8, 2023.1,2
“People living with metastatic colorectal cancer face numerous difficulties, stemming both from their illness and the adverse effects of therapies. Given the complex nature of the disease, introducing innovative treatments such as fruquintinib – an oral, chemotherapy-free targeted agent – is essential. I am looking forward to having a new choice for appropriate patients,” said Josep Tabernero, MD, PhD, director of Vall d´Hebron Institute of Oncology (VHIO).
The approval is based on results from the Phase 3 multi-regional FRESCO-2 trial. The trial investigated FRUZAQLA plus best supportive care (BSC) versus placebo plus BSC in patients with previously treated mCRC. FRESCO-2 met all its primary and key secondary efficacy endpoints and showed consistent benefit among patients treated with FRUZAQLA, regardless of the prior types of therapies they received. FRUZAQLA demonstrated a manageable safety profile in FRESCO-2. Adverse reactions leading to treatment discontinuation occurred in 20% of patients treated with FRUZAQLA plus BSC versus 21% of those treated with placebo plus BSC. Data from FRESCO-2 were published in The Lancet in June 2023.3
“Today’s approval marks an important moment for the colorectal cancer community in the EU. For the first time in over a decade, patients with previously treated metastatic colorectal cancer have a new targeted treatment option that can be used irrespective of whether their tumors harbor actionable mutations,” said Teresa Bitetti, president of the Global Oncology Business Unit at Takeda. “We look forward to offering patients a novel treatment option that has a manageable safety profile and can be effective regardless of the prior types of therapies they have received.”
About FRUZAQLA (fruquintinib)
FRUZAQLAis a selective oral inhibitor of all three VEGF receptors (-1, -2 and -3). VEGFR inhibitors play a pivotal role in blocking tumor angiogenesis. FRUZAQLAwas designed to have enhanced selectivity that limits off-target kinase activity, allowing for high drug exposure, sustained target inhibition, and flexibility for potential use as part of combination therapy.
Takeda has the exclusive worldwide license to further develop, commercialize, and manufacture fruquintinib outside of mainland China, Hong Kong and Macau. FRUZAQLA was approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in November 2023. A submission to the Japan Pharmaceuticals and Medical Devices Agency (PMDA) took place in September 2023. Fruquintinib is developed and marketed in China by HUTCHMED. Fruquintinib was approved for marketing by the China National Medical Products Administration (NMPA) in September 2018 and commercially launched in China in November 2018 under the brand name ELUNATE®.
About CRC
CRC is a cancer that starts in either the colon or rectum. According to the International Agency for Research on Cancer, CRC is the third most prevalent cancer worldwide and was associated with more than 1.9 million new cases and 900,000 deaths in 2022. In Europe, CRC was the second most common cancer in 2022, with approximately 538,000 new cases and 248,000 deaths.4 In the U.S., it is estimated that 153,000 patients will be diagnosed with CRC and 53,000 deaths from the disease will occur in 2024.5 In Japan, CRC was the most common cancer in 2022, with more than 145,000 new cases and 60,000 deaths.4 Although early-stage CRC can be surgically resected, metastatic CRC remains an area of high unmet need with poor outcomes and limited treatment options. Some patients with metastatic CRC may benefit from personalized therapeutic strategies based on molecular characteristics; however, most patients have tumors that do not harbor actionable mutations.6,7,8,9,10
About the Phase 3 FRESCO-2 Trial
The FRESCO-2 study is a multi-regional clinical trial conducted in the U.S., Europe, Japan and Australia investigating FRUZAQLA plus BSC vs placebo plus BSC in patients with previously treated mCRC (NCT04322539). The study met all of its primary and key secondary endpoints, demonstrating that treatment with FRUZAQLA resulted in statistically significant and clinically meaningful improvement in OS and PFS. The safety profile of FRUZAQLA in FRESCO-2 was consistent with previously reported fruquintinib monotherapy studies. Results from the study were presented at ESMO in September 2022 and subsequently published in The Lancet in June 2023.11,3
About Takeda
Takeda is focused on creating better health for people and a brighter future for the world. We aim to discover and deliver life-transforming treatments in our core therapeutic and business areas, including gastrointestinal and inflammation, rare diseases, plasma-derived therapies, oncology, neuroscience and vaccines. Together with our partners, we aim to improve the patient experience and advance a new frontier of treatment options through our dynamic and diverse pipeline. As a leading values-based, R&D-driven biopharmaceutical company headquartered in Japan, we are guided by our commitment to patients, our people and the planet. Our employees in approximately 80 countries and regions are driven by our purpose and are grounded in the values that have defined us for more than two centuries. For more information, visit www.takeda.com.
Important Notice
For the purposes of this notice, “press release” means this document, any oral presentation, any question and answer session and any written or oral material discussed or distributed by Takeda Pharmaceutical Company Limited (“Takeda”) regarding this release. This press release (including any oral briefing and any question-and-answer in connection with it) is not intended to, and does not constitute, represent or form part of any offer, invitation or solicitation of any offer to purchase, otherwise acquire, subscribe for, exchange, sell or otherwise dispose of, any securities or the solicitation of any vote or approval in any jurisdiction. No shares or other securities are being offered to the public by means of this press release. No offering of securities shall be made in the United States except pursuant to registration under the U.S. Securities Act of 1933, as amended, or an exemption therefrom. This press release is being given (together with any further information which may be provided to the recipient) on the condition that it is for use by the recipient for information purposes only (and not for the evaluation of any investment, acquisition, disposal or any other transaction). Any failure to comply with these restrictions may constitute a violation of applicable securities laws.
The companies in which Takeda directly and indirectly owns investments are separate entities. In this press release, “Takeda” is sometimes used for convenience where references are made to Takeda and its subsidiaries in general. Likewise, the words “we”, “us” and “our” are also used to refer to subsidiaries in general or to those who work for them. These expressions are also used where no useful purpose is served by identifying the particular company or companies.
Medical Information
This press release contains information about products that may not be available in all countries, or may be available under different trademarks, for different indications, in different dosages, or in different strengths. Nothing contained herein should be considered a solicitation, promotion or advertisement for any prescription drugs including the ones under development.
References:
- Takeda Pharmaceuticals. (2024 April 26). Takeda Receives Positive CHMP Opinion for Fruquintinib in Previously Treated Metastatic Colorectal Cancer [Press Release]. Available here.
- Takeda Pharmaceuticals. (2023 November 8). Takeda Receives U.S. FDA Approval of FRUZAQLA™ (fruquintinib) for Previously Treated Metastatic Colorectal Cancer [Press Release]. Available here.
- Dasari NA, et al. Fruquintinib versus placebo in patients with refractory metastatic colorectal cancer (FRESCO-2): an international, multicentre, randomised, double-blind, phase 3 study. Lancet. 2023;402(10395):41-53. doi:10.1016/S0140-6736(23)00772-9.
- Bray F, et al. Global cancer statistics 2022: GLOBOCAN estimates of incidence and mortality worldwide for 36 cancers in 185 countries. CA Cancer J Clin. 2024 [online ahead of print]. doi: 10.3322/caac.21834
- American Cancer Society. Cancer Facts & Figures 2024. Atlanta, American Cancer Society; 2024.
- Bando H, et al. Therapeutic landscape and future direction of metastatic colorectal cancer. Nat Rev Gastroenterol Hepatol 2023; 20(5)306-322. doi:10.1038/s41575-022-00736-1.
- D’Haene N, et al. Clinical application of targeted next-generation sequencing for colorectal cancer patients: a multicentric Belgian experience. Oncotarget. 2018;9(29):20761-20768. Published 2018 Apr 17. doi:10.18632/oncotarget.25099.
- Venderbosch, et al. Mismatch repair status and braf mutation status in metastatic colorectal cancer patients: A pooled analysis of the Cairo, Cairo2, coin, and Focus Studies. Clinical Cancer Res., 2014; 20(20):5322–5330. doi:10.1158/1078-0432.ccr-14-0332.
- Koopman, M., et al. Deficient mismatch repair system in patients with sporadic advanced colorectal cancer. Br J Cancer. 209;100(2), 266–273. doi:10.1038/sj.bjc.6604867.
- Ahcene Djaballah S, et al. HER2 in Colorectal Cancer: The Long and Winding Road From Negative Predictive Factor to Positive Actionable Target. Am Soc Clin Oncol Educ Book. 2022;42:1-14. doi:10.1200/EDBK_351354.
- Dasari NA, et al. LBA25 – FRESCO-2: A global phase 3 multiregional clinical trial (MRCT) evaluating the efficacy and safety of fruquintinib in patients with refractory metastatic colorectal cancer. Ann Oncol. 2022 Sep;33(suppl_7): S808-S869. Doi:10.1016/annonc/annonc1089.
SOURCE: Takeda Pharmaceutical Co
Post Views: 3,048
− Approval Based on Results from Positive, Global, Phase 3 FRESCO-2 Trial
− FRUZAQLA (fruquintinib) is the First Novel Targeted Therapy in the EU for Metastatic Colorectal Cancer (mCRC) Regardless of Biomarker Status in Over a Decade
OSAKA, Japan & CAMBRIDGE, MA, USA I June 21, 2024 I Takeda (TSE:4502/NYSE:TAK) today announced that the European Commission (EC) approved FRUZAQLA (fruquintinib) as a monotherapy indicated for the treatment of adult patients with metastatic colorectal cancer (mCRC) who have been previously treated with available standard therapies, including fluoropyrimidine-, oxaliplatin-, and irinotecan-based chemotherapies, anti-VEGF agents, and anti-EGFR agents, and who have progressed on or are intolerant to treatment with either trifluridine-tipiracil or regorafenib. The decision follows a positive opinion from the Committee for Medicinal Products for Human Use (CHMP) on April 25, 2024, and approval by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for adults with mCRC who have been previously treated with oxaliplatin- and irinotecan-based regimens on November 8, 2023.1,2
“People living with metastatic colorectal cancer face numerous difficulties, stemming both from their illness and the adverse effects of therapies. Given the complex nature of the disease, introducing innovative treatments such as fruquintinib – an oral, chemotherapy-free targeted agent – is essential. I am looking forward to having a new choice for appropriate patients,” said Josep Tabernero, MD, PhD, director of Vall d´Hebron Institute of Oncology (VHIO).
The approval is based on results from the Phase 3 multi-regional FRESCO-2 trial. The trial investigated FRUZAQLA plus best supportive care (BSC) versus placebo plus BSC in patients with previously treated mCRC. FRESCO-2 met all its primary and key secondary efficacy endpoints and showed consistent benefit among patients treated with FRUZAQLA, regardless of the prior types of therapies they received. FRUZAQLA demonstrated a manageable safety profile in FRESCO-2. Adverse reactions leading to treatment discontinuation occurred in 20% of patients treated with FRUZAQLA plus BSC versus 21% of those treated with placebo plus BSC. Data from FRESCO-2 were published in The Lancet in June 2023.3
“Today’s approval marks an important moment for the colorectal cancer community in the EU. For the first time in over a decade, patients with previously treated metastatic colorectal cancer have a new targeted treatment option that can be used irrespective of whether their tumors harbor actionable mutations,” said Teresa Bitetti, president of the Global Oncology Business Unit at Takeda. “We look forward to offering patients a novel treatment option that has a manageable safety profile and can be effective regardless of the prior types of therapies they have received.”
About FRUZAQLA (fruquintinib)
FRUZAQLAis a selective oral inhibitor of all three VEGF receptors (-1, -2 and -3). VEGFR inhibitors play a pivotal role in blocking tumor angiogenesis. FRUZAQLAwas designed to have enhanced selectivity that limits off-target kinase activity, allowing for high drug exposure, sustained target inhibition, and flexibility for potential use as part of combination therapy.
Takeda has the exclusive worldwide license to further develop, commercialize, and manufacture fruquintinib outside of mainland China, Hong Kong and Macau. FRUZAQLA was approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in November 2023. A submission to the Japan Pharmaceuticals and Medical Devices Agency (PMDA) took place in September 2023. Fruquintinib is developed and marketed in China by HUTCHMED. Fruquintinib was approved for marketing by the China National Medical Products Administration (NMPA) in September 2018 and commercially launched in China in November 2018 under the brand name ELUNATE®.
About CRC
CRC is a cancer that starts in either the colon or rectum. According to the International Agency for Research on Cancer, CRC is the third most prevalent cancer worldwide and was associated with more than 1.9 million new cases and 900,000 deaths in 2022. In Europe, CRC was the second most common cancer in 2022, with approximately 538,000 new cases and 248,000 deaths.4 In the U.S., it is estimated that 153,000 patients will be diagnosed with CRC and 53,000 deaths from the disease will occur in 2024.5 In Japan, CRC was the most common cancer in 2022, with more than 145,000 new cases and 60,000 deaths.4 Although early-stage CRC can be surgically resected, metastatic CRC remains an area of high unmet need with poor outcomes and limited treatment options. Some patients with metastatic CRC may benefit from personalized therapeutic strategies based on molecular characteristics; however, most patients have tumors that do not harbor actionable mutations.6,7,8,9,10
About the Phase 3 FRESCO-2 Trial
The FRESCO-2 study is a multi-regional clinical trial conducted in the U.S., Europe, Japan and Australia investigating FRUZAQLA plus BSC vs placebo plus BSC in patients with previously treated mCRC (NCT04322539). The study met all of its primary and key secondary endpoints, demonstrating that treatment with FRUZAQLA resulted in statistically significant and clinically meaningful improvement in OS and PFS. The safety profile of FRUZAQLA in FRESCO-2 was consistent with previously reported fruquintinib monotherapy studies. Results from the study were presented at ESMO in September 2022 and subsequently published in The Lancet in June 2023.11,3
About Takeda
Takeda is focused on creating better health for people and a brighter future for the world. We aim to discover and deliver life-transforming treatments in our core therapeutic and business areas, including gastrointestinal and inflammation, rare diseases, plasma-derived therapies, oncology, neuroscience and vaccines. Together with our partners, we aim to improve the patient experience and advance a new frontier of treatment options through our dynamic and diverse pipeline. As a leading values-based, R&D-driven biopharmaceutical company headquartered in Japan, we are guided by our commitment to patients, our people and the planet. Our employees in approximately 80 countries and regions are driven by our purpose and are grounded in the values that have defined us for more than two centuries. For more information, visit www.takeda.com.
Important Notice
For the purposes of this notice, “press release” means this document, any oral presentation, any question and answer session and any written or oral material discussed or distributed by Takeda Pharmaceutical Company Limited (“Takeda”) regarding this release. This press release (including any oral briefing and any question-and-answer in connection with it) is not intended to, and does not constitute, represent or form part of any offer, invitation or solicitation of any offer to purchase, otherwise acquire, subscribe for, exchange, sell or otherwise dispose of, any securities or the solicitation of any vote or approval in any jurisdiction. No shares or other securities are being offered to the public by means of this press release. No offering of securities shall be made in the United States except pursuant to registration under the U.S. Securities Act of 1933, as amended, or an exemption therefrom. This press release is being given (together with any further information which may be provided to the recipient) on the condition that it is for use by the recipient for information purposes only (and not for the evaluation of any investment, acquisition, disposal or any other transaction). Any failure to comply with these restrictions may constitute a violation of applicable securities laws.
The companies in which Takeda directly and indirectly owns investments are separate entities. In this press release, “Takeda” is sometimes used for convenience where references are made to Takeda and its subsidiaries in general. Likewise, the words “we”, “us” and “our” are also used to refer to subsidiaries in general or to those who work for them. These expressions are also used where no useful purpose is served by identifying the particular company or companies.
Medical Information
This press release contains information about products that may not be available in all countries, or may be available under different trademarks, for different indications, in different dosages, or in different strengths. Nothing contained herein should be considered a solicitation, promotion or advertisement for any prescription drugs including the ones under development.
References:
- Takeda Pharmaceuticals. (2024 April 26). Takeda Receives Positive CHMP Opinion for Fruquintinib in Previously Treated Metastatic Colorectal Cancer [Press Release]. Available here.
- Takeda Pharmaceuticals. (2023 November 8). Takeda Receives U.S. FDA Approval of FRUZAQLA™ (fruquintinib) for Previously Treated Metastatic Colorectal Cancer [Press Release]. Available here.
- Dasari NA, et al. Fruquintinib versus placebo in patients with refractory metastatic colorectal cancer (FRESCO-2): an international, multicentre, randomised, double-blind, phase 3 study. Lancet. 2023;402(10395):41-53. doi:10.1016/S0140-6736(23)00772-9.
- Bray F, et al. Global cancer statistics 2022: GLOBOCAN estimates of incidence and mortality worldwide for 36 cancers in 185 countries. CA Cancer J Clin. 2024 [online ahead of print]. doi: 10.3322/caac.21834
- American Cancer Society. Cancer Facts & Figures 2024. Atlanta, American Cancer Society; 2024.
- Bando H, et al. Therapeutic landscape and future direction of metastatic colorectal cancer. Nat Rev Gastroenterol Hepatol 2023; 20(5)306-322. doi:10.1038/s41575-022-00736-1.
- D’Haene N, et al. Clinical application of targeted next-generation sequencing for colorectal cancer patients: a multicentric Belgian experience. Oncotarget. 2018;9(29):20761-20768. Published 2018 Apr 17. doi:10.18632/oncotarget.25099.
- Venderbosch, et al. Mismatch repair status and braf mutation status in metastatic colorectal cancer patients: A pooled analysis of the Cairo, Cairo2, coin, and Focus Studies. Clinical Cancer Res., 2014; 20(20):5322–5330. doi:10.1158/1078-0432.ccr-14-0332.
- Koopman, M., et al. Deficient mismatch repair system in patients with sporadic advanced colorectal cancer. Br J Cancer. 209;100(2), 266–273. doi:10.1038/sj.bjc.6604867.
- Ahcene Djaballah S, et al. HER2 in Colorectal Cancer: The Long and Winding Road From Negative Predictive Factor to Positive Actionable Target. Am Soc Clin Oncol Educ Book. 2022;42:1-14. doi:10.1200/EDBK_351354.
- Dasari NA, et al. LBA25 – FRESCO-2: A global phase 3 multiregional clinical trial (MRCT) evaluating the efficacy and safety of fruquintinib in patients with refractory metastatic colorectal cancer. Ann Oncol. 2022 Sep;33(suppl_7): S808-S869. Doi:10.1016/annonc/annonc1089.
SOURCE: Takeda Pharmaceutical Co
Post Views: 3,048
