* Results inconsistent with data from all Erbitux pivotal studies
* Further analyses planned by the Medical Research Council that conducted the independent COIN study
Berlin, Darmstadt, Germany | September 23, 2009 | The Medical Research Council (MRC), a UK-based, publicly-funded organization dedicated to improving human health, today presented the initial results of the independent Phase III COIN(a) study, which did not meet its primary endpoint of overall survival (OS).(1) These findings were presented today at the joint 15th Congress of the European Cancer Organisation (ECCO) and 34th Congress of the European Society for Medical Oncology (ESMO) in Berlin, Germany.
The COIN study was designed to evaluate whether the addition of Erbitux® (cetuximab) to one of two oxaliplatin-based chemotherapy regimens significantly improved outcomes in previously untreated metastatic colorectal cancer (mCRC) patients with KRAS wild-type tumors. The median OS was not statistically significant at 17.0 months in the Erbitux treatment arm compared to 17.9 months for the chemotherapy-alone group (hazard ratio [HR] 1.038; p=0.68).(1)
“Imbalances in the chemotherapy administered between the different study arms were reported previously in the interim safety analysis,” explained Dr. Wolfgang Wein, Executive Vice President, Oncology, Merck Serono, a division of Merck KGaA, Darmstadt, Germany. “Further analysis of the dose intensity and 2nd-line treatment, and other factors, such as the advanced disease of patients in the study, are ongoing to determine why the COIN results are not aligned with existing evidence from the other randomized, 1st-line studies, including the significant increase in overall survival achieved with the CRYSTAL study.”
Results from the pivotal Phase III CRYSTAL(b) trial also presented earlier today demonstrated that the addition of Erbitux to the standard 1st-line FOLFIRI chemotherapy regimen significantly improved OS in patients with KRAS wild-type tumors (23.5 vs. 20.0 months, HR 0.796, p=0.0094).(2) In addition, results from the Phase II OPUS(c) study, which investigated the benefit of adding Erbitux to the FOLFOX regimen in KRAS wild-type patients, demonstrated:
· Significant improvement in progression-free survival (8.3 vs. 7.2 months, HR 0.567, p=0.0064)
· Significant improvement of response rate (57,3% vs. 34,0%, p=0.0027)
· OS was 22.8 vs. 18.5 months (HR 0.855, p=0.3854).(3)
a COIN: A Phase III trial comparing either COntinuous chemotherapy plus cetuximab or INtermittent chemotherapy with standard continuous palliative combination chemotherapy with oxaliplatin and a fluoropyrimidine in first line treatment of metastatic colorectal cancer
b CRYSTAL: Cetuximab combined with iRinotecan in first line therapY for metaSTatic colorectAL cancer
c OPUS: OxaliPlatin and cetUximab in firSt-line treatment of mCRC
References
1. Maughan TS, et al. ECCO/ESMO Congress 2009. Abstract No: 6LBA. Updated information presented at meeting.
2. Van Cutsem E, et al. ECCO/ESMO Congress 2009. Abstract No: 6077. Updated information presented at meeting.
3. Bokemeyer C, et al. ECCO/ESMO Congress 2009. Abstract No: 6079. Updated information presented at meeting.
For more information on Erbitux in colorectal, head & neck and non-small cell lung cancer, please visit: www.globalcancernews.com.
About Erbitux
Erbitux® is a first-in-class and highly active IgG1 monoclonal antibody targeting the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR). As a monoclonal antibody, the mode of action of Erbitux is distinct from standard non-selective chemotherapy treatments in that it specifically targets and binds to the EGFR. This binding inhibits the activation of the receptor and the subsequent signal-transduction pathway, which results in reducing both the invasion of normal tissues by tumor cells and the spread of tumors to new sites. It is also believed to inhibit the ability of tumor cells to repair the damage caused by chemotherapy and radiotherapy and to inhibit the formation of new blood vessels inside tumors, which appears to lead to an overall suppression of tumor growth.
The most commonly reported side effect with Erbitux is an acne-like skin rash that seems to be correlated with a good response to therapy. In approximately 5% of patients, hypersensitivity reactions may occur during treatment with Erbitux; about half of these reactions are severe.
Erbitux has already obtained market authorization in 77 countries. It has been approved for the treatment of colorectal cancer in 77 countries and for the treatment of squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck (SCCHN) in 72 countries:
· December 2003 (Switzerland), February 2004 (USA), June 2004 (EU) and followed by other countries: for use in combination with irinotecan in patients with EGFR-expressing mCRC (metastatic colorectal cancer) who have failed prior irinotecan therapy. In addition, Erbitux is also approved for single-agent use in further countries.
· April 2006 (EU) and followed by other countries: for use in combination with radiotherapy for the treatment of locally advanced squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck (SCCHN). In further countries, Erbitux is also approved as monotherapy in patients with recurrent and/or metastatic SCCHN who failed prior chemotherapy.
· July 2008 (EU): license was updated for the treatment of patients with epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) expressing, KRAS wild-type mCRC in combination with chemotherapy and as a single agent in patients who have failed oxaliplatin-and irinotecan-based therapy and who are intolerant to irinotecan.
· July 2008 (Japan): for use in combination with irinotecan in patients with EGFR-expressing mCRC who have failed prior irinotecan therapy
· In November 2008 (EU): license was updated for the use in combination with platinum-based chemotherapy in patients with recurrent and/or metastatic SCCHN
Merck licensed the right to market Erbitux outside the US and Canada from ImClone Systems, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Eli Lilly and Company, in 1998. In Japan, ImClone Systems, Bristol-Myers Squibb Company and Merck jointly develop and commercialize Erbitux. Merck has an ongoing commitment to the advancement of oncology treatment and is currently investigating novel therapies in highly targeted areas, such as the use of Erbitux in colorectal cancer, squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck and non-small cell lung cancer. Merck has also acquired the rights for the cancer treatment UFT® (tegafur-uracil) – an oral chemotherapy administered with folinic acid (FA) for the first-line treatment of metastatic colorectal cancer.
Merck is also investigating among other cancer treatments the use of Stimuvax® (formerly referred to as BLP25 Liposome Vaccine) in the treatment of non-small cell lung cancer. The vaccine was granted fast-track status in September 2004 by the FDA. Merck obtained the exclusive worldwide licensing rights from Oncothyreon Inc., Seattle, Washington, USA.
In addition, Merck is developing cilengitide, which is the first in a new class of investigational anti-cancer therapies called integrin inhibitors to reach Phase III of development; it is currently being investigated for the treatment of glioblastoma, SCCHN and NSCLC. Integrin inhibitors are thought to work by targeting the tumor and its vasculature.
Merck is a global pharmaceutical and chemical company with total revenues of € 7.6 billion in 2008, a history that began in 1668, and a future shaped by approximately 33,000 employees in 60 countries. Its success is characterized by innovations from entrepreneurial employees. Merck’s operating activities come under the umbrella of Merck KGaA, in which the Merck family holds an approximately 70% interest and free shareholders own the remaining approximately 30%. In 1917 the U.S. subsidiary Merck & Co. was expropriated and has been an independent company ever since.
SOURCE: Merck KGaA
Post Views: 98
* Results inconsistent with data from all Erbitux pivotal studies
* Further analyses planned by the Medical Research Council that conducted the independent COIN study
Berlin, Darmstadt, Germany | September 23, 2009 | The Medical Research Council (MRC), a UK-based, publicly-funded organization dedicated to improving human health, today presented the initial results of the independent Phase III COIN(a) study, which did not meet its primary endpoint of overall survival (OS).(1) These findings were presented today at the joint 15th Congress of the European Cancer Organisation (ECCO) and 34th Congress of the European Society for Medical Oncology (ESMO) in Berlin, Germany.
The COIN study was designed to evaluate whether the addition of Erbitux® (cetuximab) to one of two oxaliplatin-based chemotherapy regimens significantly improved outcomes in previously untreated metastatic colorectal cancer (mCRC) patients with KRAS wild-type tumors. The median OS was not statistically significant at 17.0 months in the Erbitux treatment arm compared to 17.9 months for the chemotherapy-alone group (hazard ratio [HR] 1.038; p=0.68).(1)
“Imbalances in the chemotherapy administered between the different study arms were reported previously in the interim safety analysis,” explained Dr. Wolfgang Wein, Executive Vice President, Oncology, Merck Serono, a division of Merck KGaA, Darmstadt, Germany. “Further analysis of the dose intensity and 2nd-line treatment, and other factors, such as the advanced disease of patients in the study, are ongoing to determine why the COIN results are not aligned with existing evidence from the other randomized, 1st-line studies, including the significant increase in overall survival achieved with the CRYSTAL study.”
Results from the pivotal Phase III CRYSTAL(b) trial also presented earlier today demonstrated that the addition of Erbitux to the standard 1st-line FOLFIRI chemotherapy regimen significantly improved OS in patients with KRAS wild-type tumors (23.5 vs. 20.0 months, HR 0.796, p=0.0094).(2) In addition, results from the Phase II OPUS(c) study, which investigated the benefit of adding Erbitux to the FOLFOX regimen in KRAS wild-type patients, demonstrated:
· Significant improvement in progression-free survival (8.3 vs. 7.2 months, HR 0.567, p=0.0064)
· Significant improvement of response rate (57,3% vs. 34,0%, p=0.0027)
· OS was 22.8 vs. 18.5 months (HR 0.855, p=0.3854).(3)
a COIN: A Phase III trial comparing either COntinuous chemotherapy plus cetuximab or INtermittent chemotherapy with standard continuous palliative combination chemotherapy with oxaliplatin and a fluoropyrimidine in first line treatment of metastatic colorectal cancer
b CRYSTAL: Cetuximab combined with iRinotecan in first line therapY for metaSTatic colorectAL cancer
c OPUS: OxaliPlatin and cetUximab in firSt-line treatment of mCRC
References
1. Maughan TS, et al. ECCO/ESMO Congress 2009. Abstract No: 6LBA. Updated information presented at meeting.
2. Van Cutsem E, et al. ECCO/ESMO Congress 2009. Abstract No: 6077. Updated information presented at meeting.
3. Bokemeyer C, et al. ECCO/ESMO Congress 2009. Abstract No: 6079. Updated information presented at meeting.
For more information on Erbitux in colorectal, head & neck and non-small cell lung cancer, please visit: www.globalcancernews.com.
About Erbitux
Erbitux® is a first-in-class and highly active IgG1 monoclonal antibody targeting the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR). As a monoclonal antibody, the mode of action of Erbitux is distinct from standard non-selective chemotherapy treatments in that it specifically targets and binds to the EGFR. This binding inhibits the activation of the receptor and the subsequent signal-transduction pathway, which results in reducing both the invasion of normal tissues by tumor cells and the spread of tumors to new sites. It is also believed to inhibit the ability of tumor cells to repair the damage caused by chemotherapy and radiotherapy and to inhibit the formation of new blood vessels inside tumors, which appears to lead to an overall suppression of tumor growth.
The most commonly reported side effect with Erbitux is an acne-like skin rash that seems to be correlated with a good response to therapy. In approximately 5% of patients, hypersensitivity reactions may occur during treatment with Erbitux; about half of these reactions are severe.
Erbitux has already obtained market authorization in 77 countries. It has been approved for the treatment of colorectal cancer in 77 countries and for the treatment of squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck (SCCHN) in 72 countries:
· December 2003 (Switzerland), February 2004 (USA), June 2004 (EU) and followed by other countries: for use in combination with irinotecan in patients with EGFR-expressing mCRC (metastatic colorectal cancer) who have failed prior irinotecan therapy. In addition, Erbitux is also approved for single-agent use in further countries.
· April 2006 (EU) and followed by other countries: for use in combination with radiotherapy for the treatment of locally advanced squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck (SCCHN). In further countries, Erbitux is also approved as monotherapy in patients with recurrent and/or metastatic SCCHN who failed prior chemotherapy.
· July 2008 (EU): license was updated for the treatment of patients with epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) expressing, KRAS wild-type mCRC in combination with chemotherapy and as a single agent in patients who have failed oxaliplatin-and irinotecan-based therapy and who are intolerant to irinotecan.
· July 2008 (Japan): for use in combination with irinotecan in patients with EGFR-expressing mCRC who have failed prior irinotecan therapy
· In November 2008 (EU): license was updated for the use in combination with platinum-based chemotherapy in patients with recurrent and/or metastatic SCCHN
Merck licensed the right to market Erbitux outside the US and Canada from ImClone Systems, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Eli Lilly and Company, in 1998. In Japan, ImClone Systems, Bristol-Myers Squibb Company and Merck jointly develop and commercialize Erbitux. Merck has an ongoing commitment to the advancement of oncology treatment and is currently investigating novel therapies in highly targeted areas, such as the use of Erbitux in colorectal cancer, squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck and non-small cell lung cancer. Merck has also acquired the rights for the cancer treatment UFT® (tegafur-uracil) – an oral chemotherapy administered with folinic acid (FA) for the first-line treatment of metastatic colorectal cancer.
Merck is also investigating among other cancer treatments the use of Stimuvax® (formerly referred to as BLP25 Liposome Vaccine) in the treatment of non-small cell lung cancer. The vaccine was granted fast-track status in September 2004 by the FDA. Merck obtained the exclusive worldwide licensing rights from Oncothyreon Inc., Seattle, Washington, USA.
In addition, Merck is developing cilengitide, which is the first in a new class of investigational anti-cancer therapies called integrin inhibitors to reach Phase III of development; it is currently being investigated for the treatment of glioblastoma, SCCHN and NSCLC. Integrin inhibitors are thought to work by targeting the tumor and its vasculature.
Merck is a global pharmaceutical and chemical company with total revenues of € 7.6 billion in 2008, a history that began in 1668, and a future shaped by approximately 33,000 employees in 60 countries. Its success is characterized by innovations from entrepreneurial employees. Merck’s operating activities come under the umbrella of Merck KGaA, in which the Merck family holds an approximately 70% interest and free shareholders own the remaining approximately 30%. In 1917 the U.S. subsidiary Merck & Co. was expropriated and has been an independent company ever since.
SOURCE: Merck KGaA
Post Views: 98
