– Innovative, fixed-dose formulation significantly reduces treatment time from hours to minutes and demonstrates consistent efficacy with a reduction in administration-related reactions compared to DARZALEX® (daratumumab) for approved indications
– DARZALEX FASPRO™ is the only subcutaneous CD38-directed antibody approved in the treatment of multiple myeloma
HORSHAM, PA, USA I May 1, 2020 I The Janssen Pharmaceutical Companies of Johnson & Johnson announced today the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved DARZALEX FASPRO™ (daratumumab and hyaluronidase-fihj), a new subcutaneous formulation of daratumumab. DARZALEX FASPRO™ is approved in four regimens across five indications in multiple myeloma patients, including newly diagnosed, transplant-ineligible patients as well as relapsed or refractory patients. As a fixed-dose formulation, DARZALEX FASPRO™ can be administered over approximately three to five minutes, significantly less time than DARZALEX®, which is given intravenously over hours. In the Phase 3 COLUMBA study supporting the approval, DARZALEX FASPRO™ demonstrated a consistent overall response rate (ORR) and pharmacokinetics and a similar safety profile compared with intravenous DARZALEX® in patients with relapsed or refractory multiple myeloma. In addition, there was a nearly two-thirds reduction in systemic administration-related reactions (ARRs) for DARZALEX FASPRO™ compared to intravenous DARZALEX® (13 percent vs. 34 percent, respectively).
“This approval exemplifies Janssen’s mission and commitment to bringing together passion, science and ingenuity to advance novel solutions for patients,” said Mathai Mammen, M.D., Ph.D., Global Head, Janssen Research & Development, LLC. “We are excited about the potential of this meaningful innovation in transforming the treatment experience for patients with multiple myeloma where DARZALEX FASPRO can be administered in approximately three to five minutes, significantly less time than intravenous DARZALEX, which is given over hours. Based on its favorable profile, we are accelerating the development of DARZALEX FASPRO and evaluating its potential in multiple ongoing studies.”
Click to Tweet: #NEWS: #FDA approves subcutaneous CD38-directed antibody for the treatment of multiple #myeloma. See here for more details: https://bit.ly/2VozhzY
The approval is based on data from the Phase 3 COLUMBA (MMY3012) and Phase 2 PLEIADES (MMY2040) studies.1,2 In the COLUMBA study, the ORR was non-inferior for patients taking DARZALEX FASPRO™ as monotherapy compared to those taking intravenous DARZALEX® as monotherapy (41 percent vs. 37 percent, respectively). In addition, there were fewer systemic ARRs with DARZALEX FASPRO™ versus intravenous DARZALEX® (13 percent vs. 34 percent, respectively). In a pooled safety population of 490 patients who received DARZALEX FASPRO™ as monotherapy or in combination, the ARR rate wFas 11 percent. The safety profiles of intravenous DARZALEX® and DARZALEX FASPRO™ were otherwise similar.1 Additionally, in the Phase 2 PLEIADES study evaluating the efficacy and safety of DARZALEX FASPRO™ in combination therapies, objective responses were demonstrated in combination with bortezomib, melphalan and prednisone (D-VMP) in newly diagnosed transplant ineligible patients. In addition, objective responses were demonstrated in combination with lenalidomide and dexamethasone (D-Rd) in relapsed or refractory patients who received one prior line of therapy.2
“The Multiple Myeloma Research Foundation shares a common goal with Janssen in advancing treatments for multiple myeloma and addressing the unmet needs of this patient community,” said Paul Giusti, President and CEO of the Multiple Myeloma Research Foundation (MMRF). “The approval of DARZALEX FASPRO marks an important milestone which will help make a positive difference in the lives of patients who depend on this effective therapy.”
Click to Tweet: .@theMMRF talks about advancing treatments for multiple #myeloma and addressing patient needs with latest #FDA approval. Read more here: https://bit.ly/2VozhzY
“Since the approval of daratumumab, a robust body of evidence has established its use as a treatment for multiple myeloma in both the frontline and relapsed and refractory settings,” said Saad Z. Usmani, M.D., Division Chief of Plasma Cell Disorders, Levine Cancer Institute. “With DARZALEX FASPRO there may be fewer administration-related reactions compared to intravenous DARZALEX, providing an additional treatment option that may help patients, oncologists and nursing staff.”
DARZALEX FASPRO™ is co-formulated with recombinant human hyaluronidase PH20 (rHuPH20) [Halozyme’s ENHANZE® drug delivery technology]. DARZALEX FASPRO™ will be available to patients and physicians as soon as the week of May 11, 2020. The intravenous DARZALEX® formulation will also remain available as an option for patients and their physicians.
DARZALEX FASPRO™ is approved in combination with bortezomib, melphalan and prednisone in newly diagnosed patients who are ineligible for autologous stem cell transplant, in combination with lenalidomide and dexamethasone in newly diagnosed patients who are ineligible for autologous stem cell transplant and in patients with relapsed or refractory multiple myeloma who have received at least one prior therapy, in combination with bortezomib and dexamethasone in patients who have received at least one prior therapy, as monotherapy, in patients who have received at least three prior lines of therapy including a proteasome inhibitor (PI) and an immunomodulatory agent or who are double-refractory to a PI and an immunomodulatory agent.
The U.S. FDA approval of DARZALEX FASPRO™ marks the first approval for this innovative subcutaneous formulation globally, and Janssen continues to work with health authorities around the world in an effort to bring this new treatment option to patients living with multiple myeloma.
Access to DARZALEX FASPRO™ (daratumumab and hyaluronidase-fihj)
Janssen offers comprehensive access and support information, resources and services to assist U.S. patients in gaining access to DARZALEX FASPRO™ through the Janssen CarePath Program. Through the program, eligible commercial patients pay no more than $5 per injection, regardless of individual income level. Information on the enrollment process is available online at www.CarePathSavingsProgram.com/DARZALEX.
For more information, healthcare providers or patients can contact: 1-844-55DARZA (1-844-553-2792). Information will also be available at www.DARZALEX.com. Dedicated case coordinators are available to work with both healthcare providers and patients.
About the COLUMBA Study 1
The randomized, open-label, multicenter Phase 3 COLUMBA study (MMY3012) included 522 patients (median age of 67 years) with multiple myeloma who had received at least three prior lines of therapy including a proteasome inhibitor (PI) and an immunomodulatory drug (IMiD), or whose disease was refractory to both a PI and an IMiD. In the arm that received DARZALEX FASPRO™ (n=263), patients received a fixed dose of DARZALEX FASPRO™ 1,800 milligrams (mg), co-formulated with recombinant human hyaluronidase PH20 (rHuPH20) 2,000 Units per milliliter (U/mL), subcutaneously weekly for Cycles 1 – 2, every two weeks for Cycles 3 – 6 and every four weeks for Cycle 7 and thereafter. In the intravenous DARZALEX® arm (n=259), patients received DARZALEX® for intravenous infusion 16 milligrams per kilogram (mg/kg) weekly for Cycles 1 – 2, every two weeks for Cycles 3 – 6 and every four weeks for Cycle 7 and thereafter. Each cycle was 28 days. In the arm that received DARZALEX FASPRO™, it was given in a fixed volume of 15 mL over three to five minutes; the median injection time was five minutes. In the arm that received the intravenous administration, the median durations of the first, second and subsequent intravenous DARZALEX® infusions were 7.0, 4.3 and 3.4 hours, respectively. Patients in both arms continued treatment until disease progression or unacceptable toxicity.
About the PLEIADES Study 2
The non-randomized, open-label, parallel assignment Phase 2 PLEIADES study (MMY2040) included more than 240 adults with multiple myeloma, including 67 patients with newly diagnosed multiple myeloma who were treated with 1,800 mg of DARZALEX FASPRO™ in combination with bortezomib, melphalan, and prednisone (D-VMP) and 65 patients with relapsed or refractory disease who were treated with 1,800 mg of DARZALEX FASPRO™ plus lenalidomide and dexamethasone (D-Rd). The primary endpoint for the D-VMP and D-Rd cohorts was overall response rate.
About DARZALEX® and DARZALEX FASPRO™
Janssen is committed to exploring the potential of DARZALEX® (daratumumab) for patients with multiple myeloma across the spectrum of the disease. DARZALEX® has been approved in seven indications, three of which are in the frontline setting, including newly diagnosed patients who are transplant eligible and ineligible.
DARZALEX® has become a backbone therapy in the treatment of multiple myeloma, having been used in the treatment of more than 58,000 patients in the U.S. alone since its U.S. FDA approval in 2015. DARZALEX® is the first CD38-directed antibody approved globally to treat multiple myeloma and in 2020, DARZALEX FASPRO™ (daratumumab and hyaluronidase human-fihj) follows as the only subcutaneous CD38-directed antibody approved to treat patients with multiple myeloma.2
CD38 is a surface protein that is present in high numbers on multiple myeloma cells, regardless of the stage of disease.4 DARZALEX® binds to CD38 and inhibits tumor cell growth causing myeloma cell death.5 DARZALEX® may also have an effect on normal cells.3 Data across seven Phase 3 clinical trials, in both the frontline and relapsed settings, have shown that DARZALEX®-based regimens resulted in significant improvement in progression-free survival and/or overall survival. 4,5,6,7,8,9,10,11 Additional studies are underway to assess the efficacy and safety of DARZALEX FASPRO™ in the treatment of other malignant and pre-malignant hematologic diseases in which CD38 is expressed, including smoldering myeloma and in amyloidosis.12,13
Key DARZALEX® Milestones:
- In August 2012, Janssen entered into an exclusive global license and development agreement with Genmab A/S to develop, manufacture, and commercialize DARZALEX®.14
- In November 2015 DARZALEX® received initial U.S. FDA approval as a monotherapy for the treatment of patients with multiple myeloma who have received at least three prior lines of therapy, including a proteasome inhibitor (PI) and an immunomodulatory agent, or who are double refractory to a PI and an immunomodulatory agent.15
- In November 2016 DARZALEX® received an additional approval in combination with lenalidomide and dexamethasone, or bortezomib and dexamethasone, for the treatment of patients with multiple myeloma who have received at least one prior therapy.16
- In June 2017, DARZALEX® received approval in combination with pomalidomide and dexamethasone for the treatment of patients with multiple myeloma who have received at least two prior therapies, including lenalidomide and a PI.17
- In May 2018, DARZALEX® received approval in combination with bortezomib, melphalan, and prednisone for the treatment of patients with newly diagnosed multiple myeloma who are ineligible for ASCT, making it the first monoclonal antibody approved for newly diagnosed patients with this disease.18
- In June 2019, DARZALEX® received approval in combination with lenalidomide and dexamethasone for the treatment of patients with newly diagnosed multiple myeloma who are transplant ineligible.19
- In September 2019, DARZALEX® received approval in combination with bortezomib, thalidomide, and dexamethasone for the treatment of newly diagnosed patients who are eligible for autologous stem cell transplant.20
- In April 2020, DARZALEX FASPRO™, a subcutaneous formulation of DARZALEX®, received approval for the treatment of certain patients with newly diagnosed or relapsed/refractory multiple myeloma, including in combination with bortezomib, melphalan and prednisone in newly diagnosed patients who are ineligible for autologous stem cell transplant, in combination with lenalidomide and dexamethasone in newly diagnosed patients who are ineligible for autologous stem cell transplant and in patients with relapsed or refractory multiple myeloma who have received at least one prior therapy, in combination with bortezomib and dexamethasone in patients who have received at least one prior therapy, as monotherapy, in patients who have received at least three prior lines of therapy including a PI and an immunomodulatory agent or who are double-refractory to a PI and an immunomodulatory agent.
Please see full Prescribing Information at www.DARZALEX.com.
About Multiple Myeloma
Multiple myeloma is an incurable blood cancer that affects a type of white blood cell called plasma cells, which are found in the bone marrow.21,22 When damaged, these plasma cells rapidly spread and replace normal cells with tumors in the bone marrow. In 2020, it is estimated that 32,270 people will be diagnosed and 12,830 will die from the disease in the U.S.24 While some patients with multiple myeloma have no symptoms, most patients are diagnosed due to symptoms, which can include bone fracture or pain, low red blood cell counts, tiredness, high calcium levels, kidney problems or infections.23
Please see full Prescribing Information at www.DARZALEX.com.
About the Janssen Pharmaceutical Companies of Johnson & Johnson
At Janssen, we’re creating a future where disease is a thing of the past. We’re the Pharmaceutical Companies of Johnson & Johnson, working tirelessly to make that future a reality for patients everywhere by fighting sickness with science, improving access with ingenuity, and healing hopelessness with heart. We focus on areas of medicine where we can make the biggest difference: Cardiovascular & Metabolism, Immunology, Infectious Diseases & Vaccines, Neuroscience, Oncology, and Pulmonary Hypertension.
Learn more at www.janssen.com. Follow us at www.twitter.com/JanssenGlobal. Janssen Research & Development, LLC and Janssen Biotech, Inc. are part of the Janssen Pharmaceutical Companies of Johnson & Johnson.
ENHANZE® is a registered trademark of Halozyme.
1 Mateos M-V et al. Efficacy and Safety of the Randomized, Open-Label, Non-inferiority, Phase 3 Study of Subcutaneous (SC) Versus Intravenous (IV) Daratumumab (DARA) Administration in Patients (pts) With Relapsed or Refractory Multiple Myeloma (RRMM): COLUMBA. 2019 American Society of Clinical Oncology Annual Meeting. June 2019.
2 Janssen Research & Development, LLC. A Study to Evaluate Subcutaneous Daratumumab in Combination With Standard Multiple Myeloma Treatment Regimens. In: ClinicalTrials.gov [Internet]. Bethesda (MD): National Library of Medicine (US). 2000 [cited July 5, 2019]. Available at: https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT03412565. Identifier: NCT03412565.
3 2020Fedele G et al. CD38 Ligation in Peripheral Blood Mononuclear Cells of Myeloma Patients Induces Release of Protumorigenic IL-6 and Impaired Secretion of IFNγ Cytokines and Proliferation. Mediators Inflamm. 2013;564687.
4 Janssen Research & Development, LLC. A Study Comparing Daratumumab, Lenalidomide, and Dexamethasone With Lenalidomide and Dexamethasone in Relapsed or Refractory Multiple Myeloma. In: ClinicalTrials.gov [Internet]. Bethesda (MD): National Library of Medicine (US). 2000-[cited 2018 July 24]. Available at: https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT02076009?term=mmy3003&rank=1 Identifier: NCT02136134 .
5 Janssen Research & Development, LLC. Addition of Daratumumab to Combination of Bortezomib and Dexamethasone in Participants With Relapsed or Refractory Multiple Myeloma. In: ClinicalTrials.gov [Internet]. Bethesda (MD): National Library of Medicine (US). 2000-[cited 2018 July 24]. Available at: https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT02136134?term=mmy3004&rank=1 Identifier: NCT02076009.
6 Janssen Research & Development, LLC. A Study to Evaluate Daratumumab in Transplant Eligible Participants With Previously Untreated Multiple Myeloma (Cassiopeia). In: ClinicalTrials.gov [Internet]. Bethesda (MD): National Library of Medicine (US). 2000-[cited 2018 July 24]. Available at: https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT02541383?term=mmy3006 Identifier: NCT02541383.
7 Janssen Research & Development, LLC. A Study of Combination of Daratumumab and Velcade (Bortezomib) Melphalan-Prednisone (DVMP) Compared to Velcade Melphalan-Prednisone (VMP) in Participants With Previously Untreated Multiple Myeloma In: ClinicalTrials.gov [Internet]. Bethesda (MD): National Library of Medicine (US). 2000-[cited 2018 July 24]. Available at: https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT02195479?term=mmy3007&rank=1 Identifier: NCT02195479.
8 Janssen Research & Development, LLC. Study Comparing Daratumumab, Lenalidomide, and Dexamethasone With Lenalidomide and Dexamethasone in Participants With Previously Untreated Multiple Myeloma. In: ClinicalTrials.gov [Internet]. Bethesda (MD): National Library of Medicine (US). 2000-[cited 2018 July 24]. Available at: https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT02252172?term=mmy3008&rank=1 Identifier: NCT02252172.
9 Janssen Research & Development, LLC. A Study of VELCADE (Bortezomib) Melphalan-Prednisone (VMP) Compared to Daratumumab in Combination With VMP (D-VMP), in Participants With Previously Untreated Multiple Myeloma Who Are Ineligible for High-Dose Therapy (Asia Pacific Region). In: ClinicalTrials.gov [Internet]. Bethesda (MD): National Library of Medicine (US). 2000-[cited 2018 July 24]. Available at: https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT03217812?term=MMY3011&rank=1 Identifier: NCT03217812.
10 European Myeloma Network. Compare Progression Free Survival Btw Daratumumab/Pomalidomide/Dexamethasone vs Pomalidomide/Dexamethasone (EMN14). In: ClinicalTrials.gov [Internet]. Bethesda (MD): National Library of Medicine (US). 2000-[cited 2018 July 24] Available at: https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT03180736?term=MMY3013&rank=2 Identifier: NCT03180736
11 Amgen. Study of Carfilzomib, Daratumumab and Dexamethasone for Patients With Relapsed and/or Refractory Multiple Myeloma. (CANDOR). In: ClinicalTrials.gov [Internet]. Bethesda (MD): National Library of Medicine (US). 2000-[cited 2018 July 24] Available at: https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT03158688?term=NCT03158688&rank=1 Identifier: NCT03158688.
12 Janssen Research & Development, LLC. A Study to Evaluate 3 Dose Schedules of Daratumumab in Participants With Smoldering Multiple Myeloma In: ClinicalTrials.gov [Internet]. Bethesda (MD): National Library of Medicine (US). 2000-[cited 2018 March 19]. Available at: https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT02316106?term=smm2001&rank=1 Identifier: NCT02316106.
13 Janssen Research & Development, LLC. An Efficacy and Safety Proof of Concept Study of Daratumumab in Relapsed/Refractory Mantle Cell Lymphoma, Diffuse Large B-Cell Lymphoma, and Follicular Lymphoma In: ClinicalTrials.gov [Internet]. Bethesda (MD): National Library of Medicine (US). 2000-[cited 2018 March 19]. Available at: https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT02413489?term=lym2001&rank=1 Identifier: NCT02413489
14 Janssen Biotech, Inc. “Janssen Biotech Announces Global License and Development Agreement for Investigational Anti-Cancer Agent Daratumumab.” Issued August 30, 2012.
15 Janssen Biotech, Inc. “DARZALEX® (daratumumab) Approved by U.S. FDA: First Human Anti-CD38 Monoclonal Antibody Available for the Treatment of Multiple Myeloma.” Issued November 16, 2015.
16 Janssen Biotech, Inc. “DARZALEX® (daratumumab) Approved by U.S. FDA in Combination with Two Standard of Care Regimens for the Treatment of Patients with Multiple Myeloma Who Have Received At Least One Prior Therapy.” Issued November 21, 2016.
17 Janssen Biotech, Inc. “DARZALEX® (daratumumab) Approved by the U.S. FDA in Combination with Pomalidomide and Dexamethasone for Patients with Multiple Myeloma Who Have Received At Least Two Prior Therapies.” Issued June 16, 2017.
18 Janssen Biotech, Inc. “Janssen Announces DARZALEX® (daratumumab) U.S. FDA Approval for Newly Diagnosed Patients with Multiple Myeloma who are Transplant Ineligible.” Issued May 7, 2018.
19 Janssen Biotech, Inc. “Janssen Announces U.S. FDA Approval of DARZALEX® (daratumumab) in Combination with Lenalidomide and Dexamethasone for Newly Diagnosed Patients with Multiple Myeloma Who Are Transplant Ineligible.” Issued June 27, 2019.
20 Janssen Biotech, Inc. “Janssen Announces U.S. FDA Approval of DARZALEX® (daratumumab) Combination Regimen for Newly Diagnosed, Transplant-Eligible Patients with Multiple Myeloma.” Issued September 26, 2019.
21 Kumar, SK et al. Risk of progression and survival in multiple myeloma relapsing after therapy with IMiDs and bortezomib: a multicenter international myeloma working group study. Leukemia. 2012 Jan; 26(1):149-57.
22 American Cancer Society. “What Is Multiple Myeloma?” Available at: http://www.cancer.org/cancer/multiplemyeloma/detailedguide/multiple-myeloma-what-is-multiple-myeloma. Accessed June 2019.
23 American Cancer Society. “Key Statistics About Multiple Myeloma.” Available at: https://www.cancer.org/cancer/multiple-myeloma/about/key-statistics.html. Accessed January 2020.
SOURCE: Janssen
Post Views: 220
– Innovative, fixed-dose formulation significantly reduces treatment time from hours to minutes and demonstrates consistent efficacy with a reduction in administration-related reactions compared to DARZALEX® (daratumumab) for approved indications
– DARZALEX FASPRO™ is the only subcutaneous CD38-directed antibody approved in the treatment of multiple myeloma
HORSHAM, PA, USA I May 1, 2020 I The Janssen Pharmaceutical Companies of Johnson & Johnson announced today the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved DARZALEX FASPRO™ (daratumumab and hyaluronidase-fihj), a new subcutaneous formulation of daratumumab. DARZALEX FASPRO™ is approved in four regimens across five indications in multiple myeloma patients, including newly diagnosed, transplant-ineligible patients as well as relapsed or refractory patients. As a fixed-dose formulation, DARZALEX FASPRO™ can be administered over approximately three to five minutes, significantly less time than DARZALEX®, which is given intravenously over hours. In the Phase 3 COLUMBA study supporting the approval, DARZALEX FASPRO™ demonstrated a consistent overall response rate (ORR) and pharmacokinetics and a similar safety profile compared with intravenous DARZALEX® in patients with relapsed or refractory multiple myeloma. In addition, there was a nearly two-thirds reduction in systemic administration-related reactions (ARRs) for DARZALEX FASPRO™ compared to intravenous DARZALEX® (13 percent vs. 34 percent, respectively).
“This approval exemplifies Janssen’s mission and commitment to bringing together passion, science and ingenuity to advance novel solutions for patients,” said Mathai Mammen, M.D., Ph.D., Global Head, Janssen Research & Development, LLC. “We are excited about the potential of this meaningful innovation in transforming the treatment experience for patients with multiple myeloma where DARZALEX FASPRO can be administered in approximately three to five minutes, significantly less time than intravenous DARZALEX, which is given over hours. Based on its favorable profile, we are accelerating the development of DARZALEX FASPRO and evaluating its potential in multiple ongoing studies.”
Click to Tweet: #NEWS: #FDA approves subcutaneous CD38-directed antibody for the treatment of multiple #myeloma. See here for more details: https://bit.ly/2VozhzY
The approval is based on data from the Phase 3 COLUMBA (MMY3012) and Phase 2 PLEIADES (MMY2040) studies.1,2 In the COLUMBA study, the ORR was non-inferior for patients taking DARZALEX FASPRO™ as monotherapy compared to those taking intravenous DARZALEX® as monotherapy (41 percent vs. 37 percent, respectively). In addition, there were fewer systemic ARRs with DARZALEX FASPRO™ versus intravenous DARZALEX® (13 percent vs. 34 percent, respectively). In a pooled safety population of 490 patients who received DARZALEX FASPRO™ as monotherapy or in combination, the ARR rate wFas 11 percent. The safety profiles of intravenous DARZALEX® and DARZALEX FASPRO™ were otherwise similar.1 Additionally, in the Phase 2 PLEIADES study evaluating the efficacy and safety of DARZALEX FASPRO™ in combination therapies, objective responses were demonstrated in combination with bortezomib, melphalan and prednisone (D-VMP) in newly diagnosed transplant ineligible patients. In addition, objective responses were demonstrated in combination with lenalidomide and dexamethasone (D-Rd) in relapsed or refractory patients who received one prior line of therapy.2
“The Multiple Myeloma Research Foundation shares a common goal with Janssen in advancing treatments for multiple myeloma and addressing the unmet needs of this patient community,” said Paul Giusti, President and CEO of the Multiple Myeloma Research Foundation (MMRF). “The approval of DARZALEX FASPRO marks an important milestone which will help make a positive difference in the lives of patients who depend on this effective therapy.”
Click to Tweet: .@theMMRF talks about advancing treatments for multiple #myeloma and addressing patient needs with latest #FDA approval. Read more here: https://bit.ly/2VozhzY
“Since the approval of daratumumab, a robust body of evidence has established its use as a treatment for multiple myeloma in both the frontline and relapsed and refractory settings,” said Saad Z. Usmani, M.D., Division Chief of Plasma Cell Disorders, Levine Cancer Institute. “With DARZALEX FASPRO there may be fewer administration-related reactions compared to intravenous DARZALEX, providing an additional treatment option that may help patients, oncologists and nursing staff.”
DARZALEX FASPRO™ is co-formulated with recombinant human hyaluronidase PH20 (rHuPH20) [Halozyme’s ENHANZE® drug delivery technology]. DARZALEX FASPRO™ will be available to patients and physicians as soon as the week of May 11, 2020. The intravenous DARZALEX® formulation will also remain available as an option for patients and their physicians.
DARZALEX FASPRO™ is approved in combination with bortezomib, melphalan and prednisone in newly diagnosed patients who are ineligible for autologous stem cell transplant, in combination with lenalidomide and dexamethasone in newly diagnosed patients who are ineligible for autologous stem cell transplant and in patients with relapsed or refractory multiple myeloma who have received at least one prior therapy, in combination with bortezomib and dexamethasone in patients who have received at least one prior therapy, as monotherapy, in patients who have received at least three prior lines of therapy including a proteasome inhibitor (PI) and an immunomodulatory agent or who are double-refractory to a PI and an immunomodulatory agent.
The U.S. FDA approval of DARZALEX FASPRO™ marks the first approval for this innovative subcutaneous formulation globally, and Janssen continues to work with health authorities around the world in an effort to bring this new treatment option to patients living with multiple myeloma.
Access to DARZALEX FASPRO™ (daratumumab and hyaluronidase-fihj)
Janssen offers comprehensive access and support information, resources and services to assist U.S. patients in gaining access to DARZALEX FASPRO™ through the Janssen CarePath Program. Through the program, eligible commercial patients pay no more than $5 per injection, regardless of individual income level. Information on the enrollment process is available online at www.CarePathSavingsProgram.com/DARZALEX.
For more information, healthcare providers or patients can contact: 1-844-55DARZA (1-844-553-2792). Information will also be available at www.DARZALEX.com. Dedicated case coordinators are available to work with both healthcare providers and patients.
About the COLUMBA Study 1
The randomized, open-label, multicenter Phase 3 COLUMBA study (MMY3012) included 522 patients (median age of 67 years) with multiple myeloma who had received at least three prior lines of therapy including a proteasome inhibitor (PI) and an immunomodulatory drug (IMiD), or whose disease was refractory to both a PI and an IMiD. In the arm that received DARZALEX FASPRO™ (n=263), patients received a fixed dose of DARZALEX FASPRO™ 1,800 milligrams (mg), co-formulated with recombinant human hyaluronidase PH20 (rHuPH20) 2,000 Units per milliliter (U/mL), subcutaneously weekly for Cycles 1 – 2, every two weeks for Cycles 3 – 6 and every four weeks for Cycle 7 and thereafter. In the intravenous DARZALEX® arm (n=259), patients received DARZALEX® for intravenous infusion 16 milligrams per kilogram (mg/kg) weekly for Cycles 1 – 2, every two weeks for Cycles 3 – 6 and every four weeks for Cycle 7 and thereafter. Each cycle was 28 days. In the arm that received DARZALEX FASPRO™, it was given in a fixed volume of 15 mL over three to five minutes; the median injection time was five minutes. In the arm that received the intravenous administration, the median durations of the first, second and subsequent intravenous DARZALEX® infusions were 7.0, 4.3 and 3.4 hours, respectively. Patients in both arms continued treatment until disease progression or unacceptable toxicity.
About the PLEIADES Study 2
The non-randomized, open-label, parallel assignment Phase 2 PLEIADES study (MMY2040) included more than 240 adults with multiple myeloma, including 67 patients with newly diagnosed multiple myeloma who were treated with 1,800 mg of DARZALEX FASPRO™ in combination with bortezomib, melphalan, and prednisone (D-VMP) and 65 patients with relapsed or refractory disease who were treated with 1,800 mg of DARZALEX FASPRO™ plus lenalidomide and dexamethasone (D-Rd). The primary endpoint for the D-VMP and D-Rd cohorts was overall response rate.
About DARZALEX® and DARZALEX FASPRO™
Janssen is committed to exploring the potential of DARZALEX® (daratumumab) for patients with multiple myeloma across the spectrum of the disease. DARZALEX® has been approved in seven indications, three of which are in the frontline setting, including newly diagnosed patients who are transplant eligible and ineligible.
DARZALEX® has become a backbone therapy in the treatment of multiple myeloma, having been used in the treatment of more than 58,000 patients in the U.S. alone since its U.S. FDA approval in 2015. DARZALEX® is the first CD38-directed antibody approved globally to treat multiple myeloma and in 2020, DARZALEX FASPRO™ (daratumumab and hyaluronidase human-fihj) follows as the only subcutaneous CD38-directed antibody approved to treat patients with multiple myeloma.2
CD38 is a surface protein that is present in high numbers on multiple myeloma cells, regardless of the stage of disease.4 DARZALEX® binds to CD38 and inhibits tumor cell growth causing myeloma cell death.5 DARZALEX® may also have an effect on normal cells.3 Data across seven Phase 3 clinical trials, in both the frontline and relapsed settings, have shown that DARZALEX®-based regimens resulted in significant improvement in progression-free survival and/or overall survival. 4,5,6,7,8,9,10,11 Additional studies are underway to assess the efficacy and safety of DARZALEX FASPRO™ in the treatment of other malignant and pre-malignant hematologic diseases in which CD38 is expressed, including smoldering myeloma and in amyloidosis.12,13
Key DARZALEX® Milestones:
- In August 2012, Janssen entered into an exclusive global license and development agreement with Genmab A/S to develop, manufacture, and commercialize DARZALEX®.14
- In November 2015 DARZALEX® received initial U.S. FDA approval as a monotherapy for the treatment of patients with multiple myeloma who have received at least three prior lines of therapy, including a proteasome inhibitor (PI) and an immunomodulatory agent, or who are double refractory to a PI and an immunomodulatory agent.15
- In November 2016 DARZALEX® received an additional approval in combination with lenalidomide and dexamethasone, or bortezomib and dexamethasone, for the treatment of patients with multiple myeloma who have received at least one prior therapy.16
- In June 2017, DARZALEX® received approval in combination with pomalidomide and dexamethasone for the treatment of patients with multiple myeloma who have received at least two prior therapies, including lenalidomide and a PI.17
- In May 2018, DARZALEX® received approval in combination with bortezomib, melphalan, and prednisone for the treatment of patients with newly diagnosed multiple myeloma who are ineligible for ASCT, making it the first monoclonal antibody approved for newly diagnosed patients with this disease.18
- In June 2019, DARZALEX® received approval in combination with lenalidomide and dexamethasone for the treatment of patients with newly diagnosed multiple myeloma who are transplant ineligible.19
- In September 2019, DARZALEX® received approval in combination with bortezomib, thalidomide, and dexamethasone for the treatment of newly diagnosed patients who are eligible for autologous stem cell transplant.20
- In April 2020, DARZALEX FASPRO™, a subcutaneous formulation of DARZALEX®, received approval for the treatment of certain patients with newly diagnosed or relapsed/refractory multiple myeloma, including in combination with bortezomib, melphalan and prednisone in newly diagnosed patients who are ineligible for autologous stem cell transplant, in combination with lenalidomide and dexamethasone in newly diagnosed patients who are ineligible for autologous stem cell transplant and in patients with relapsed or refractory multiple myeloma who have received at least one prior therapy, in combination with bortezomib and dexamethasone in patients who have received at least one prior therapy, as monotherapy, in patients who have received at least three prior lines of therapy including a PI and an immunomodulatory agent or who are double-refractory to a PI and an immunomodulatory agent.
Please see full Prescribing Information at www.DARZALEX.com.
About Multiple Myeloma
Multiple myeloma is an incurable blood cancer that affects a type of white blood cell called plasma cells, which are found in the bone marrow.21,22 When damaged, these plasma cells rapidly spread and replace normal cells with tumors in the bone marrow. In 2020, it is estimated that 32,270 people will be diagnosed and 12,830 will die from the disease in the U.S.24 While some patients with multiple myeloma have no symptoms, most patients are diagnosed due to symptoms, which can include bone fracture or pain, low red blood cell counts, tiredness, high calcium levels, kidney problems or infections.23
Please see full Prescribing Information at www.DARZALEX.com.
About the Janssen Pharmaceutical Companies of Johnson & Johnson
At Janssen, we’re creating a future where disease is a thing of the past. We’re the Pharmaceutical Companies of Johnson & Johnson, working tirelessly to make that future a reality for patients everywhere by fighting sickness with science, improving access with ingenuity, and healing hopelessness with heart. We focus on areas of medicine where we can make the biggest difference: Cardiovascular & Metabolism, Immunology, Infectious Diseases & Vaccines, Neuroscience, Oncology, and Pulmonary Hypertension.
Learn more at www.janssen.com. Follow us at www.twitter.com/JanssenGlobal. Janssen Research & Development, LLC and Janssen Biotech, Inc. are part of the Janssen Pharmaceutical Companies of Johnson & Johnson.
ENHANZE® is a registered trademark of Halozyme.
1 Mateos M-V et al. Efficacy and Safety of the Randomized, Open-Label, Non-inferiority, Phase 3 Study of Subcutaneous (SC) Versus Intravenous (IV) Daratumumab (DARA) Administration in Patients (pts) With Relapsed or Refractory Multiple Myeloma (RRMM): COLUMBA. 2019 American Society of Clinical Oncology Annual Meeting. June 2019.
2 Janssen Research & Development, LLC. A Study to Evaluate Subcutaneous Daratumumab in Combination With Standard Multiple Myeloma Treatment Regimens. In: ClinicalTrials.gov [Internet]. Bethesda (MD): National Library of Medicine (US). 2000 [cited July 5, 2019]. Available at: https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT03412565. Identifier: NCT03412565.
3 2020Fedele G et al. CD38 Ligation in Peripheral Blood Mononuclear Cells of Myeloma Patients Induces Release of Protumorigenic IL-6 and Impaired Secretion of IFNγ Cytokines and Proliferation. Mediators Inflamm. 2013;564687.
4 Janssen Research & Development, LLC. A Study Comparing Daratumumab, Lenalidomide, and Dexamethasone With Lenalidomide and Dexamethasone in Relapsed or Refractory Multiple Myeloma. In: ClinicalTrials.gov [Internet]. Bethesda (MD): National Library of Medicine (US). 2000-[cited 2018 July 24]. Available at: https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT02076009?term=mmy3003&rank=1 Identifier: NCT02136134 .
5 Janssen Research & Development, LLC. Addition of Daratumumab to Combination of Bortezomib and Dexamethasone in Participants With Relapsed or Refractory Multiple Myeloma. In: ClinicalTrials.gov [Internet]. Bethesda (MD): National Library of Medicine (US). 2000-[cited 2018 July 24]. Available at: https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT02136134?term=mmy3004&rank=1 Identifier: NCT02076009.
6 Janssen Research & Development, LLC. A Study to Evaluate Daratumumab in Transplant Eligible Participants With Previously Untreated Multiple Myeloma (Cassiopeia). In: ClinicalTrials.gov [Internet]. Bethesda (MD): National Library of Medicine (US). 2000-[cited 2018 July 24]. Available at: https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT02541383?term=mmy3006 Identifier: NCT02541383.
7 Janssen Research & Development, LLC. A Study of Combination of Daratumumab and Velcade (Bortezomib) Melphalan-Prednisone (DVMP) Compared to Velcade Melphalan-Prednisone (VMP) in Participants With Previously Untreated Multiple Myeloma In: ClinicalTrials.gov [Internet]. Bethesda (MD): National Library of Medicine (US). 2000-[cited 2018 July 24]. Available at: https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT02195479?term=mmy3007&rank=1 Identifier: NCT02195479.
8 Janssen Research & Development, LLC. Study Comparing Daratumumab, Lenalidomide, and Dexamethasone With Lenalidomide and Dexamethasone in Participants With Previously Untreated Multiple Myeloma. In: ClinicalTrials.gov [Internet]. Bethesda (MD): National Library of Medicine (US). 2000-[cited 2018 July 24]. Available at: https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT02252172?term=mmy3008&rank=1 Identifier: NCT02252172.
9 Janssen Research & Development, LLC. A Study of VELCADE (Bortezomib) Melphalan-Prednisone (VMP) Compared to Daratumumab in Combination With VMP (D-VMP), in Participants With Previously Untreated Multiple Myeloma Who Are Ineligible for High-Dose Therapy (Asia Pacific Region). In: ClinicalTrials.gov [Internet]. Bethesda (MD): National Library of Medicine (US). 2000-[cited 2018 July 24]. Available at: https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT03217812?term=MMY3011&rank=1 Identifier: NCT03217812.
10 European Myeloma Network. Compare Progression Free Survival Btw Daratumumab/Pomalidomide/Dexamethasone vs Pomalidomide/Dexamethasone (EMN14). In: ClinicalTrials.gov [Internet]. Bethesda (MD): National Library of Medicine (US). 2000-[cited 2018 July 24] Available at: https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT03180736?term=MMY3013&rank=2 Identifier: NCT03180736
11 Amgen. Study of Carfilzomib, Daratumumab and Dexamethasone for Patients With Relapsed and/or Refractory Multiple Myeloma. (CANDOR). In: ClinicalTrials.gov [Internet]. Bethesda (MD): National Library of Medicine (US). 2000-[cited 2018 July 24] Available at: https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT03158688?term=NCT03158688&rank=1 Identifier: NCT03158688.
12 Janssen Research & Development, LLC. A Study to Evaluate 3 Dose Schedules of Daratumumab in Participants With Smoldering Multiple Myeloma In: ClinicalTrials.gov [Internet]. Bethesda (MD): National Library of Medicine (US). 2000-[cited 2018 March 19]. Available at: https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT02316106?term=smm2001&rank=1 Identifier: NCT02316106.
13 Janssen Research & Development, LLC. An Efficacy and Safety Proof of Concept Study of Daratumumab in Relapsed/Refractory Mantle Cell Lymphoma, Diffuse Large B-Cell Lymphoma, and Follicular Lymphoma In: ClinicalTrials.gov [Internet]. Bethesda (MD): National Library of Medicine (US). 2000-[cited 2018 March 19]. Available at: https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT02413489?term=lym2001&rank=1 Identifier: NCT02413489
14 Janssen Biotech, Inc. “Janssen Biotech Announces Global License and Development Agreement for Investigational Anti-Cancer Agent Daratumumab.” Issued August 30, 2012.
15 Janssen Biotech, Inc. “DARZALEX® (daratumumab) Approved by U.S. FDA: First Human Anti-CD38 Monoclonal Antibody Available for the Treatment of Multiple Myeloma.” Issued November 16, 2015.
16 Janssen Biotech, Inc. “DARZALEX® (daratumumab) Approved by U.S. FDA in Combination with Two Standard of Care Regimens for the Treatment of Patients with Multiple Myeloma Who Have Received At Least One Prior Therapy.” Issued November 21, 2016.
17 Janssen Biotech, Inc. “DARZALEX® (daratumumab) Approved by the U.S. FDA in Combination with Pomalidomide and Dexamethasone for Patients with Multiple Myeloma Who Have Received At Least Two Prior Therapies.” Issued June 16, 2017.
18 Janssen Biotech, Inc. “Janssen Announces DARZALEX® (daratumumab) U.S. FDA Approval for Newly Diagnosed Patients with Multiple Myeloma who are Transplant Ineligible.” Issued May 7, 2018.
19 Janssen Biotech, Inc. “Janssen Announces U.S. FDA Approval of DARZALEX® (daratumumab) in Combination with Lenalidomide and Dexamethasone for Newly Diagnosed Patients with Multiple Myeloma Who Are Transplant Ineligible.” Issued June 27, 2019.
20 Janssen Biotech, Inc. “Janssen Announces U.S. FDA Approval of DARZALEX® (daratumumab) Combination Regimen for Newly Diagnosed, Transplant-Eligible Patients with Multiple Myeloma.” Issued September 26, 2019.
21 Kumar, SK et al. Risk of progression and survival in multiple myeloma relapsing after therapy with IMiDs and bortezomib: a multicenter international myeloma working group study. Leukemia. 2012 Jan; 26(1):149-57.
22 American Cancer Society. “What Is Multiple Myeloma?” Available at: http://www.cancer.org/cancer/multiplemyeloma/detailedguide/multiple-myeloma-what-is-multiple-myeloma. Accessed June 2019.
23 American Cancer Society. “Key Statistics About Multiple Myeloma.” Available at: https://www.cancer.org/cancer/multiple-myeloma/about/key-statistics.html. Accessed January 2020.
SOURCE: Janssen
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