FGFR2 x FGFR3 x FGFR1

Pictured: J&J's business center in Switzerland/iStock, yuelan Johnson & Johnson announced on Friday that the FDA has granted its FGFR kinase inhibitor Balversa (erdafitinib) full approval for the treatment of locally advanced or metastatic urothelial carcinoma. Friday’s full approval amends Balversa’s previous indication, which allowed its use in patients with susceptible mutations on the FGFR3 or FGFR2 genes, after platinum-based chemotherapy, according to the FDA’s announcement of the approval. J&J’s pill is now indicated for patients with susceptible genetic alterations on the FGFR3 gene—as determined by an approved test—with disease progression after at least one prior line of systemic therapy. Balversa is not approved to treat patients who are eligible for, but have not yet undergone, PD-1 or PD-L1 inhibitor therapies. Designed to be taken orally once-daily, Balversa is a small molecule FGFR kinase inhibitor that works by targeting and binding to FGFR1, FGFR2, FGFR3 and FGFR4, blocking their enzymatic activity, according to J&J’s website. This mechanism of action cuts off several signaling cascades and suppresses the uncontrolled division and survival of cancer cells. Balversa won the FDA’s accelerated approval in April 2019 for certain types of locally advanced or metastatic urothelial carcinoma (mUC), becoming the first FDA-authorized FGFR inhibitor. At the time, Balversa was backed by findings from a small single-arm Phase II trial with 87 enrolled patients, demonstrating a 32.2% objective response rate and a median duration of response of 5.4 months. To keep Balversa on the market, J&J ran the confirmatory Phase III THOR trial, which enrolled nearly 630 patients and compared the oral FGFR kinase inhibitor against the standard of care regimen, consisting of chemotherapy or Merck’s Keytruda (pembrolizumab). Patients who had undergone at least one prior line of anti-PD-(L)1 therapy were assigned to Cohort 1 of THOR, while those who had not were placed in Cohort 2. Data from Cohort 1, which ultimately became the basis for the FDA’s full approval on Friday, showed that Balversa cut the risk of death by 36% versus chemotherapy. Patients in the Balversa arm also lived a median of four months longer than those on chemotherapy, an effect that was statistically significant, according to J&J’s announcement. Kiran Patel, vice president of clinical development, solid tumors at J&J Innovative Medicine, said in a statement that “Balversa continues to demonstrate the promise of targeted therapy in the treatment of cancer with advanced bladder cancer,” given its performance in THOR. Friday’s full approval for Balversa continues J&J’s winning streak in cancer. In December 2023, the pharma posted promising data from the Phase III PERSEUS study showing that a Darzalex Faspro-based quadruplet regimen could significantly improve progression-free survival in newly diagnosed multiple myeloma patients. In October 2023, J&J’s head-to-head MARIPOSA study showed that the combination of Rybrevant and lazertinib could potentially best AstraZeneca’s Tagrisso (osimertinib) in EGFR-mutated non-small cell lung cancer. Tristan Manalac is an independent science writer based in Metro Manila, Philippines. He can be reached at [email protected] or [email protected].

[16-January-2024] Longer-Term Efficacy and Safety Results from the Phase 3 LEAP-002 Trial Offer Additional Information About the First-Line Treatment of Patients with Unresectable Hepatocellular Carcinoma Data on E7386 and Tasurgratinib (formerly E7090) Showcase Eisai's Pipeline and Commitment to Identifying Additional Approaches in Treating Cancer to Help Improve Outcomes for Patients NUTLEY, N.J., Jan. 16, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Eisai announced today the presentation of gastrointestinal cancer research during the 2024 American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) Gastrointestinal Cancers Symposium (#GI24), which is taking place in-person in San Francisco, California and virtually from January 18-20. Notable findings from the LEAP (Lenvatinib And Pembrolizumab) clinical program include updated efficacy and safety results from the Phase 3 LEAP-002 trial, which evaluated lenvatinib (LENVIMA®), the orally available multiple receptor tyrosine kinase inhibitor (TKI) discovered by Eisai, plus pembrolizumab (KEYTRUDA®), Merck's anti-PD-1 therapy, versus lenvatinib monotherapy as a first-line treatment for patients with unresectable hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) (NCT03713593; Abstract: #482). "We look forward to convening in San Francisco to share longer-term efficacy and safety results from the Phase 3 LEAP-002 trial with the scientific community at ASCO GI 2024. We are proud of the role that LENVIMA monotherapy plays as a first-line treatment for patients with unresectable hepatocellular carcinoma, particularly as the global burden of liver cancer rises," said Dr. Takashi Owa, Chief Scientific Officer, Senior Vice President, Eisai Co., Ltd. "Our data at the symposium illustrate Eisai's commitment to contribute to the understanding of gastrointestinal cancers with the aim of making a difference in the lives of patients and their families." Additional data from Eisai's pipeline include results from a single-arm Phase 2 trial evaluating tasurgratinib (formerly E7090) as a treatment for patients with fibroblast growth factor receptor 2 (FGFR2) gene fusion positive cholangiocarcinoma (NCT04238715; Abstract: #471). Tasurgratinib, for which a marketing authorization application was submitted in Japan in December 2023, is an orally available selective TKI of FGFR1-3. An analysis of tumor biomarkers in patients with advanced HCC from a Phase 1b study of E7386, a CREB-binding protein (CBP) / β-catenin interaction inhibitor, in combination with lenvatinib, will also be presented (NCT04008797; Abstract: #535). This release discusses investigational compounds and investigational uses for FDA-approved products. It is not intended to convey conclusions about efficacy and safety. There is no guarantee that any investigational compounds or investigational uses of FDA-approved products will successfully complete clinical development or gain FDA approval. The list of notable Eisai presentations is included below. These abstracts will be made available via the ASCO website on Tuesday, January 16, 2024, at 5:00 PM EST (2:00 PM PST). In March 2018, Eisai and Merck (known as MSD outside the United States and Canada), through an affiliate, entered into a strategic collaboration for the worldwide co-development and co-commercialization of lenvatinib, both as monotherapy and in combination with Merck's anti-PD-1 therapy, pembrolizumab. Eisai and Merck are studying the lenvatinib plus pembrolizumab combination through the LEAP clinical program in various tumor types across multiple clinical trials. About Tasurgratinib Discovered in-house by Eisai's Tsukuba Research Laboratories, tasurgratinib (formerly E7090) is an orally available tyrosine kinase inhibitor that demonstrates selective inhibitory activity against fibroblast growth factor receptors (FGFR) FGFR1, FGFR2 and FGFR3. In preclinical studies, E7090 exhibited faster association and slower dissociation time from FGFR1 compared with other FGFR1 inhibitors and it exhibited selective antiproliferative activity against cancer cell lines harboring FGFR genetic abnormalities. Preclinical studies have also prolonged survival in mice with metastasized tumors in the lung. A Phase II clinical trial (Study 201) of E7090 is underway in Japan and China to evaluate efficacy and safety in patients with cholangiocarcinoma with FGFR2 gene fusion. A Phase I clinical trial of E7090 is also underway in Japan in patients with estrogen receptor-positive and HER2-negative breast cancer. About E7386 E7386 is a selective inhibitor of the interaction between the cAMP response element-binding protein (CREB) binding protein (CBP) / β-catenin and a modulator of the Wnt / β-catenin signaling pathway. E7386 is thought to block the protein-protein interaction between a transcriptional co-activator, CBP and β-catenin, resulting in the inhibition of Wnt / β-catenin pathway-dependent gene expression. Since E7386 acts on the CBP / β-catenin transcription complex located at the most downstream of the Wnt signaling, it is expected to inhibit not only ligand-dependent activation but also activation caused by gene mutations in Wnt signaling factors such as adenomatous polyposis coli (APC) and β-catenin. E7386 is created through collaboration research between Eisai and PRISM BioLab Co., Ltd. (Headquarters: Kanagawa) About LENVIMA® (lenvatinib) Capsules LENVIMA is indicated: For the treatment of patients with locally recurrent or metastatic, progressive, radioactive iodine-refractory differentiated thyroid cancer (DTC) In combination with pembrolizumab, for the first line treatment of adult patients with advanced renal cell carcinoma (RCC) In combination with everolimus for the treatment of adult patients with advanced renal cell carcinoma (RCC) following one prior anti-angiogenic therapy For the first-line treatment of patients with unresectable hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) In combination with pembrolizumab, for the treatment of patients with advanced endometrial carcinoma (EC) that is mismatch repair proficient (pMMR), as determined by an FDA-approved test, or not microsatellite instability-high (MSI-H), who have disease progression following prior systemic therapy in any setting and are not candidates for curative surgery or radiation. LENVIMA, discovered and developed by Eisai, is a multiple receptor tyrosine kinase inhibitor that inhibits the kinase activities of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) receptors VEGFR1 (FLT1), VEGFR2 (KDR), and VEGFR3 (FLT4). LENVIMA inhibits other kinases that have been implicated in pathogenic angiogenesis, tumor growth, and cancer progression in addition to their normal cellular functions, including fibroblast growth factor (FGF) receptors FGFR1-4, the platelet derived growth factor receptor alpha (PDGFRα), KIT, and RET. Lenvatinib also exhibited antiproliferative activity in hepatocellular carcinoma cell lines dependent on activated FGFR signaling with a concurrent inhibition of FGF-receptor substrate 2α (FRS2α) phosphorylation. In syngeneic mouse tumor models, the combination of lenvatinib with an anti-PD-1 monoclonal antibody decreased tumor-associated macrophages, increased activated cytotoxic T cells, and demonstrated greater antitumor activity compared to either treatment alone. The combination of LENVIMA and everolimus showed increased anti-angiogenic and anti-tumor activity as demonstrated by decreased human endothelial cell proliferation, tube formation, and VEGF signaling in vitro and tumor volume in mouse xenograft models of human renal cell cancer greater than each drug alone. Important Safety Information for LENVIMA Warnings and Precautions Hypertension. In DTC (differentiated thyroid cancer), hypertension occurred in 73% of patients on LENVIMA (44% grade 3-4). In RCC (renal cell carcinoma), hypertension occurred in 42% of patients on LENVIMA + everolimus (13% grade 3). Systolic blood pressure ≥160 mmHg occurred in 29% of patients, and 21% had diastolic blood pressure ≥100 mmHg. In HCC (hepatocellular carcinoma), hypertension occurred in 45% of LENVIMA-treated patients (24% grade 3). Grade 4 hypertension was not reported in HCC. Serious complications of poorly controlled hypertension have been reported. Control blood pressure prior to initiation. Monitor blood pressure after 1 week, then every 2 weeks for the first 2 months, and then at least monthly thereafter during treatment. Withhold and resume at reduced dose when hypertension is controlled or permanently discontinue based on severity. Cardiac Dysfunction. Serious and fatal cardiac dysfunction can occur with LENVIMA. Across clinical trials in 799 patients with DTC, RCC, and HCC, grade 3 or higher cardiac dysfunction occurred in 3% of LENVIMA-treated patients. Monitor for clinical symptoms or signs of cardiac dysfunction. Withhold and resume at reduced dose upon recovery or permanently discontinue based on severity. Arterial Thromboembolic Events. Among patients receiving LENVIMA or LENVIMA + everolimus, arterial thromboembolic events of any severity occurred in 2% of patients in RCC and HCC and 5% in DTC. Grade 3-5 arterial thromboembolic events ranged from 2% to 3% across all clinical trials. Among patients receiving LENVIMA with pembrolizumab, arterial thrombotic events of any severity occurred in 5% of patients in CLEAR, including myocardial infarction (3.4%) and cerebrovascular accident (2.3%). Permanently discontinue following an arterial thrombotic event. The safety of resuming after an arterial thromboembolic event has not been established, and LENVIMA has not been studied in patients who have had an arterial thromboembolic event within the previous 6 months. Hepatotoxicity. Across clinical studies enrolling 1327 LENVIMA-treated patients with malignancies other than HCC, serious hepatic adverse reactions occurred in 1.4% of patients. Fatal events, including hepatic failure, acute hepatitis, and hepatorenal syndrome, occurred in 0.5% of patients. In HCC, hepatic encephalopathy occurred in 8% of LENVIMA-treated patients (5% grade 3-5). Grade 3-5 hepatic failure occurred in 3% of LENVIMA-treated patients; 2% of patients discontinued LENVIMA due to hepatic encephalopathy, and 1% discontinued due to hepatic failure. Monitor liver function prior to initiation, then every 2 weeks for the first 2 months, and at least monthly thereafter during treatment. Monitor patients with HCC closely for signs of hepatic failure, including hepatic encephalopathy. Withhold and resume at reduced dose upon recovery or permanently discontinue based on severity. Renal Failure or Impairment. Serious including fatal renal failure or impairment can occur with LENVIMA. Renal impairment was reported in 14% and 7% of LENVIMA-treated patients in DTC and HCC, respectively. Grade 3-5 renal failure or impairment occurred in 3% of patients with DTC and 2% of patients with HCC, including 1 fatal event in each study. In RCC, renal impairment or renal failure was reported in 18% of LENVIMA + everolimus–treated patients (10% grade 3). Initiate prompt management of diarrhea or dehydration/hypovolemia. Withhold and resume at reduced dose upon recovery or permanently discontinue for renal failure or impairment based on severity. Proteinuria. In DTC and HCC, proteinuria was reported in 34% and 26% of LENVIMA-treated patients, respectively. Grade 3 proteinuria occurred in 11% and 6% in DTC and HCC, respectively. In RCC, proteinuria occurred in 31% of patients receiving LENVIMA + everolimus (8% grade 3). Monitor for proteinuria prior to initiation and periodically during treatment. If urine dipstick proteinuria ≥2+ is detected, obtain a 24-hour urine protein. Withhold and resume at reduced dose upon recovery or permanently discontinue based on severity. Diarrhea. Of the 737 LENVIMA-treated patients in DTC and HCC, diarrhea occurred in 49% (6% grade 3). In RCC, diarrhea occurred in 81% of LENVIMA + everolimus–treated patients (19% grade 3). Diarrhea was the most frequent cause of dose interruption/reduction, and diarrhea recurred despite dose reduction. Promptly initiate management of diarrhea. Withhold and resume at reduced dose upon recovery or permanently discontinue based on severity. Fistula Formation and Gastrointestinal Perforation. Of the 799 patients treated with LENVIMA or LENVIMA + everolimus in DTC, RCC, and HCC, fistula or gastrointestinal perforation occurred in 2%. Permanently discontinue in patients who develop gastrointestinal perforation of any severity or grade 3-4 fistula. QT Interval Prolongation. In DTC, QT/QTc interval prolongation occurred in 9% of LENVIMA-treated patients and QT interval prolongation of >500 ms occurred in 2%. In RCC, QTc interval increases of >60 ms occurred in 11% of patients receiving LENVIMA + everolimus and QTc interval >500 ms occurred in 6%. In HCC, QTc interval increases of >60 ms occurred in 8% of LENVIMA-treated patients and QTc interval >500 ms occurred in 2%. Monitor and correct electrolyte abnormalities at baseline and periodically during treatment. Monitor electrocardiograms in patients with congenital long QT syndrome, congestive heart failure, bradyarrhythmias, or those who are taking drugs known to prolong the QT interval, including Class Ia and III antiarrhythmics. Withhold and resume at reduced dose upon recovery based on severity. Hypocalcemia. In DTC, grade 3-4 hypocalcemia occurred in 9% of LENVIMA-treated patients. In 65% of cases, hypocalcemia improved or resolved following calcium supplementation with or without dose interruption or dose reduction. In RCC, grade 3-4 hypocalcemia occurred in 6% of LENVIMA + everolimus–treated patients. In HCC, grade 3 hypocalcemia occurred in 0.8% of LENVIMA-treated patients. Monitor blood calcium levels at least monthly and replace calcium as necessary during treatment. Withhold and resume at reduced dose upon recovery or permanently discontinue depending on severity. Reversible Posterior Leukoencephalopathy Syndrome (RPLS). Across clinical studies of 1823 patients who received LENVIMA as a single agent, RPLS occurred in 0.3%. Confirm diagnosis of RPLS with MRI. Withhold and resume at reduced dose upon recovery or permanently discontinue depending on severity and persistence of neurologic symptoms. Hemorrhagic Events. Serious including fatal hemorrhagic events can occur with LENVIMA. In DTC, RCC, and HCC clinical trials, hemorrhagic events, of any grade, occurred in 29% of the 799 patients treated with LENVIMA as a single agent or in combination with everolimus. The most frequently reported hemorrhagic events (all grades and occurring in at least 5% of patients) were epistaxis and hematuria. In DTC, grade 3-5 hemorrhage occurred in 2% of LENVIMA-treated patients, including 1 fatal intracranial hemorrhage among 16 patients who received LENVIMA and had CNS metastases at baseline. In RCC, grade 3-5 hemorrhage occurred in 8% of LENVIMA + everolimus–treated patients, including 1 fatal cerebral hemorrhage. In HCC, grade 3-5 hemorrhage occurred in 5% of LENVIMA-treated patients, including 7 fatal hemorrhagic events. Serious tumor-related bleeds, including fatal hemorrhagic events, occurred in LENVIMA-treated patients in clinical trials and in the postmarketing setting. In postmarketing surveillance, serious and fatal carotid artery hemorrhages were seen more frequently in patients with anaplastic thyroid carcinoma (ATC) than other tumors. Safety and effectiveness of LENVIMA in patients with ATC have not been demonstrated in clinical trials. Consider the risk of severe or fatal hemorrhage associated with tumor invasion or infiltration of major blood vessels (eg, carotid artery). Withhold and resume at reduced dose upon recovery or permanently discontinue based on severity. Impairment of Thyroid Stimulating Hormone Suppression/Thyroid Dysfunction. LENVIMA impairs exogenous thyroid suppression. In DTC, 88% of patients had baseline thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH) level ≤0.5 mU/L. In patients with normal TSH at baseline, elevation of TSH level >0.5 mU/L was observed post baseline in 57% of LENVIMA-treated patients. In RCC and HCC, grade 1 or 2 hypothyroidism occurred in 24% of LENVIMA + everolimus–treated patients and 21% of LENVIMA-treated patients, respectively. In patients with normal or low TSH at baseline, elevation of TSH was observed post baseline in 70% of LENVIMA-treated patients in HCC and 60% of LENVIMA + everolimus–treated patients in RCC. Monitor thyroid function prior to initiation and at least monthly during treatment. Treat hypothyroidism according to standard medical practice. Impaired Wound Healing. Impaired wound healing has been reported in patients who received LENVIMA. Withhold LENVIMA for at least 1 week prior to elective surgery. Do not administer for at least 2 weeks following major surgery and until adequate wound healing. The safety of resumption of LENVIMA after resolution of wound healing complications has not been established. Osteonecrosis of the Jaw (ONJ). ONJ has been reported in patients receiving LENVIMA. Concomitant exposure to other risk factors, such as bisphosphonates, denosumab, dental disease, or invasive dental procedures, may increase the risk of ONJ. Perform an oral examination prior to treatment with LENVIMA and periodically during LENVIMA treatment. Advise patients regarding good oral hygiene practices and to consider having preventive dentistry performed prior to treatment with LENVIMA and throughout treatment with LENVIMA. Avoid invasive dental procedures, if possible, while on LENVIMA treatment, particularly in patients at higher risk. Withhold LENVIMA for at least 1 week prior to scheduled dental surgery or invasive dental procedures, if possible. For patients requiring invasive dental procedures, discontinuation of bisphosphonate treatment may reduce the risk of ONJ. Withhold LENVIMA if ONJ develops and restart based on clinical judgement of adequate resolution. Embryo-Fetal Toxicity. Based on its mechanism of action and data from animal reproduction studies, LENVIMA can cause fetal harm when administered to pregnant women. In animal reproduction studies, oral administration of lenvatinib during organogenesis at doses below the recommended clinical doses resulted in embryotoxicity, fetotoxicity, and teratogenicity in rats and rabbits. Advise pregnant women of the potential risk to a fetus and advise females of reproductive potential to use effective contraception during treatment with LENVIMA and for 30 days after the last dose. Adverse Reactions In DTC, the most common adverse reactions (≥30%) observed in LENVIMA-treated patients were hypertension (73%), fatigue (67%), diarrhea (67%), arthralgia/myalgia (62%), decreased appetite (54%), decreased weight (51%), nausea (47%), stomatitis (41%), headache (38%), vomiting (36%), proteinuria (34%), palmar-plantar erythrodysesthesia syndrome (32%), abdominal pain (31%), and dysphonia (31%). The most common serious adverse reactions (≥2%) were pneumonia (4%), hypertension (3%), and dehydration (3%). Adverse reactions led to dose reductions in 68% of LENVIMA-treated patients; 18% discontinued LENVIMA. The most common adverse reactions (≥10%) resulting in dose reductions were hypertension (13%), proteinuria (11%), decreased appetite (10%), and diarrhea (10%); the most common adverse reactions (≥1%) resulting in discontinuation of LENVIMA were hypertension (1%) and asthenia (1%). In RCC, the most common adverse reactions (≥20%) observed in LENVIMA + pembrolizumab-treated patients were fatigue (63%), diarrhea (62%), musculoskeletal pain (58%), hypothyroidism (57%), hypertension (56%), stomatitis (43%), decreased appetite (41%), rash (37%), nausea (36%), decreased weight (30%), dysphonia (30%), proteinuria (30%), palmar-plantar erythrodysesthesia syndrome (29%), abdominal pain (27%), hemorrhagic events (27%), vomiting (26%), constipation (25%), hepatotoxicity (25%), headache (23%), and acute kidney injury (21%). The most common serious adverse reactions (≥2%) were hemorrhagic events (5%), diarrhea (4%), hypertension (3%), myocardial infarction (3%), pneumonitis (3%), vomiting (3%), acute kidney injury (2%), adrenal insufficiency (2%), dyspnea (2%), and pneumonia (2%). Fatal adverse reactions occurred in 4.3% of patients receiving LENVIMA in combination with pembrolizumab, including cardio-respiratory arrest (0.9%), sepsis (0.9%), and one case (0.3%) each of arrhythmia, autoimmune hepatitis, dyspnea, hypertensive crisis, increased blood creatinine, multiple organ dysfunction syndrome, myasthenic syndrome, myocarditis, nephritis, pneumonitis, ruptured aneurysm and subarachnoid hemorrhage. Serious adverse reactions occurred in 51% of patients receiving LENVIMA and pembrolizumab. Serious adverse reactions in ≥2% of patients were hemorrhagic events (5%), diarrhea (4%), hypertension (3%), myocardial infarction (3%), pneumonitis (3%), vomiting (3%), acute kidney injury (2%), adrenal insufficiency (2%), dyspnea (2%), and pneumonia (2%). Permanent discontinuation of LENVIMA, pembrolizumab, or both due to an adverse reaction occurred in 37% of patients; 26% LENVIMA only, 29% pembrolizumab only, and 13% both drugs. The most common adverse reactions (≥2%) leading to permanent discontinuation of LENVIMA, pembrolizumab, or both were pneumonitis (3%), myocardial infarction (3%), hepatotoxicity (3%), acute kidney injury (3%), rash (3%), and diarrhea (2%). Dose interruptions of LENVIMA, pembrolizumab, or both due to an adverse reaction occurred in 78% of patients receiving LENVIMA in combination with pembrolizumab. LENVIMA was interrupted in 73% of patients and both drugs were interrupted in 39% of patients. LENVIMA was dose reduced in 69% of patients. The most common adverse reactions (≥5%) resulting in dose reduction or interruption of LENVIMA were diarrhea (26%), fatigue (18%), hypertension (17%), proteinuria (13%), decreased appetite (12%), palmar-plantar erythrodysesthesia (11%), nausea (9%), stomatitis (9%), musculoskeletal pain (8%), rash (8%), increased lipase (7%), abdominal pain (6%), and vomiting (6%), increased ALT (5%), and increased amylase (5%). In RCC, the most common adverse reactions (≥30%) observed in LENVIMA + everolimus–treated patients were diarrhea (81%), fatigue (73%), arthralgia/myalgia (55%), decreased appetite (53%), vomiting (48%), nausea (45%), stomatitis (44%), hypertension (42%), peripheral edema (42%), cough (37%), abdominal pain (37%), dyspnea (35%), rash (35%), decreased weight (34%), hemorrhagic events (32%), and proteinuria (31%). The most common serious adverse reactions (≥5%) were renal failure (11%), dehydration (10%), anemia (6%), thrombocytopenia (5%), diarrhea (5%), vomiting (5%), and dyspnea (5%). Adverse reactions led to dose reductions or interruption in 89% of patients. The most common adverse reactions (≥5%) resulting in dose reductions were diarrhea (21%), fatigue (8%), thrombocytopenia (6%), vomiting (6%), nausea (5%), and proteinuria (5%). Treatment discontinuation due to an adverse reaction occurred in 29% of patients. In HCC, the most common adverse reactions (≥20%) observed in LENVIMA-treated patients were hypertension (45%), fatigue (44%), diarrhea (39%), decreased appetite (34%), arthralgia/myalgia (31%), decreased weight (31%), abdominal pain (30%), palmar-plantar erythrodysesthesia syndrome (27%), proteinuria (26%), dysphonia (24%), hemorrhagic events (23%), hypothyroidism (21%), and nausea (20%). The most common serious adverse reactions (≥2%) were hepatic encephalopathy (5%), hepatic failure (3%), ascites (3%), and decreased appetite (2%). Adverse reactions led to dose reductions or interruption in 62% of patients. The most common adverse reactions (≥5%) resulting in dose reductions were fatigue (9%), decreased appetite (8%), diarrhea (8%), proteinuria (7%), hypertension (6%), and palmar-plantar erythrodysesthesia syndrome (5%). Treatment discontinuation due to an adverse reaction occurred in 20% of patients. The most common adverse reactions (≥1%) resulting in discontinuation of LENVIMA were fatigue (1%), hepatic encephalopathy (2%), hyperbilirubinemia (1%), and hepatic failure (1%). In EC, the most common adverse reactions (≥20%) observed in LENVIMA and pembrolizumab–treated patients were hypothyroidism (67%), hypertension (67%), fatigue (58%), diarrhea (55%), musculoskeletal disorders (53%), nausea (49%), decreased appetite (44%), vomiting (37%), stomatitis (35%), decreased weight (34%), abdominal pain (34%), urinary tract infection (31%), proteinuria (29%), constipation (27%), headache (26%), hemorrhagic events (25%), palmar‐plantar erythrodysesthesia (23%), dysphonia (22%), and rash (20%). Fatal adverse reactions occurred in 4.7% of those treated with LENVIMA and pembrolizumab, including 2 cases of pneumonia, and 1 case of the following: acute kidney injury, acute myocardial infarction, colitis, decreased appetite, intestinal perforation, lower gastrointestinal hemorrhage, malignant gastrointestinal obstruction, multiple organ dysfunction syndrome, myelodysplastic syndrome, pulmonary embolism, and right ventricular dysfunction. Serious adverse reactions occurred in 50% of patients receiving LENVIMA and pembrolizumab. Serious adverse reactions with frequency ≥3% were hypertension (4.4%), and urinary tract infection (3.2%). Discontinuation of LENVIMA due to an adverse reaction occurred in 26% of patients. The most common (≥1%) adverse reactions leading to discontinuation of LENVIMA were hypertension (2%), asthenia (1.8%), diarrhea (1.2%), decreased appetite (1.2%), proteinuria (1.2%), and vomiting (1.2%). Dose reductions of LENVIMA due to adverse reactions occurred in 67% of patients. The most common (≥5%) adverse reactions resulting in dose reduction of LENVIMA were hypertension (18%), diarrhea (11%), palmar-plantar erythrodysesthesia syndrome (9%), proteinuria (7%), fatigue (7%), decreased appetite (6%), asthenia (5%), and weight decreased (5%). Dose interruptions of LENVIMA due to an adverse reaction occurred in 58% of these patients. The most common (≥2%) adverse reactions leading to interruption of LENVIMA were hypertension (11%), diarrhea (11%), proteinuria (6%), decreased appetite (5%), vomiting (5%), increased alanine aminotransferase (3.5%), fatigue (3.5%), nausea (3.5%), abdominal pain (2.9%), weight decreased (2.6%), urinary tract infection (2.6%), increased aspartate aminotransferase (2.3%), asthenia (2.3%), and palmar-plantar erythrodysesthesia (2%). Use in Specific Populations Because of the potential for serious adverse reactions in breastfed children, advise women to discontinue breastfeeding during treatment and for 1 week after the last dose. LENVIMA may impair fertility in males and females of reproductive potential. No dose adjustment is recommended for patients with mild (CLcr 60-89 mL/min) or moderate (CLcr 30-59 mL/min) renal impairment. LENVIMA concentrations may increase in patients with DTC, RCC, or EC and severe (CLcr 15-29 mL/min) renal impairment. Reduce the dose for patients with DTC, RCC, or EC and severe renal impairment. There is no recommended dose for patients with HCC and severe renal impairment. LENVIMA has not been studied in patients with end-stage renal disease. No dose adjustment is recommended for patients with HCC and mild hepatic impairment (Child-Pugh A). There is no recommended dose for patients with HCC with moderate (Child-Pugh B) or severe (Child-Pugh C) hepatic impairment. No dose adjustment is recommended for patients with DTC, RCC, or EC and mild or moderate hepatic impairment. LENVIMA concentrations may increase in patients with DTC, RCC, or EC and severe hepatic impairment. Reduce the dose for patients with DTC, RCC, or EC and severe hepatic impairment. LENVIMA (lenvatinib) is available as 10 mg and 4 mg capsules. Please see Prescribing Information for LENVIMA (lenvatinib) at . About the Eisai and Merck Strategic Collaboration In March 2018, Eisai and Merck, known as MSD outside the United States and Canada, through an affiliate, entered into a strategic collaboration for the worldwide co-development and co-commercialization of LENVIMA. Under the agreement, the companies jointly develop, manufacture and commercialize LENVIMA, both as monotherapy and in combination with Merck's anti-PD-1 therapy, KEYTRUDA. Eisai and Merck are studying the KEYTRUDA plus LENVIMA combination through the LEAP (LEnvatinib And Pembrolizumab) clinical program in various tumor types across multiple clinical trials. About Eisai Eisai's Corporate Concept is "to give first thought to patients and people in the daily living domain, and to increase the benefits that health care provides." Under this Concept [also known as our human health care (hhc) Concept], we aim to effectively achieve social good in the form of relieving anxiety over health and reducing health disparities. With a global network of R&D facilities, manufacturing sites and marketing subsidiaries, we strive to create and deliver innovative products to target diseases with high unmet medical needs, with a particular focus in our strategic areas of Neurology and Oncology. In addition, our continued commitment to the elimination of neglected tropical diseases (NTDs), which is a target (3.3) of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), is demonstrated by our work on various activities together with global partners. For more information about Eisai, please visit (for global headquarters: Eisai Co., Ltd.), us.eisai.com (for U.S. headquarters: Eisai Inc.) or (for Europe, Middle East, Africa, Russia, Australia, and New Zealand headquarters: Eisai Europe Ltd.), and connect with us on Twitter (U.S. and global) and LinkedIn (for U.S. and EMEA). LENVIMA® is a registered trademark used by Eisai Inc. under license from Eisai R&D Management Co., Ltd. KEYTRUDA® is a registered trademark of Merck Sharp & Dohme LLC, a subsidiary of Merck & Co., Inc., Rahway, N.J., U.S.A.

HONG KONG and SHANGHAI, China and FLORHAM PARK, N.J., April 11, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- HUTCHMED (China) Limited (“HUTCHMED”) (Nasdaq/AIM: HCM, HKEX: 13) today announces that new and updated clinical and non-clinical data related to five HUTCHMED investigational drug candidates will be presented during the American Association for Cancer Research Annual Meeting 2023 (AACR 2023), which will take place from April 14 to 19, 2023 in Orlando, Florida. Savolitinib Title: A multicenter Phase II study of savolitinib in patients with MET-amplified gastroesophageal junction adenocarcinomas or gastric cancerLead Author: Lin Shen, MD, Peking University Cancer Hospital & InstituteType: Poster presentationSession Number: PO.CT02.01 – Phase II Clinical Trials 1Abstract Link: https://www.abstractsonline.com/pp8/#!/10828/presentation/10376 Title: Baseline and on-treatment plasma-based genomics as a predictor of outcome in SAVANNAH: Savolitinib + osimertinib in EGFRm MET overexpressed/​amplified NSCLC post-osimertinibLead Author: Ryan J Hartmaier, Ph.D, AstraZenecaType: Poster presentationSession Number: LB294/7Abstract Link: https://www.abstractsonline.com/pp8/#!/10828/presentation/9996 Mesenchymal epithelial transition factor (“MET”) gene amplification is associated with poor prognosis in gastric cancer (“GC”) and gastroesophageal junction adenocarcinomas (“GEJ”). Savolitinib is a potent and highly selective oral MET tyrosine-kinase inhibitor. Here we reported the preliminary efficacy and safety data from a Phase II trial of savolitinib monotherapy in patients with MET-amplified advanced or metastatic GC/GEJ (NCT04923932). Additionally, utility of plasma-based genomics was investigated in the SAVANNAH Phase II trial of savolitinib in addition to osimertinib in epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) mutated, MET overexpressed/amplified non-small cell lung cancer (“NSCLC”) post osimertinib. First presentation of the SAVANNAH results occurred at the International Association for the Study of Lung Cancer (IASLC) 2022 World Conference on Lung Cancer (WCLC) in August 2022. Surufatinib Title: Surufatinib plus toripalimab for first-line treatment of advanced non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) with PD-L1 positive expression: A multicenter, single-arm phase 2 studyLead Author: Ying Cheng, MD, Jilin Cancer HospitalType: Poster presentationSession Number: PO.CT02.02 – Phase II Clinical Trials 2Abstract Link: https://www.abstractsonline.com/pp8/#!/10828/presentation/10405 Surufatinib (a small-molecule inhibitor of vascular endothelial growth factor receptor (“VEGFR”) 1-3, fibroblast growth factor receptor (“FGFR”) 1 and colony-stimulating factor 1 receptor (“CSF-1R”)) plus toripalimab (an anti-programmed cell death protein-1 (“PD-1”) antibody) showed encouraging antitumor activity in solid tumors. Programmed death ligand 1 (“PD-L1”) expression is the established biomarker for first-line immune checkpoint inhibitors therapy in advanced NSCLC. We conducted an open-label, multi-cohort, single-arm Phase II study to evaluate the safety and efficacy of surufatinib plus toripalimab in patients with advanced solid tumors. Here, we reported the results of advanced NSCLC with PD-L1 positive expression cohort (NCT04169672). HMPL-760 Title: HMPL-760 is a highly potent and selective reversible BTK inhibitor, targeting BTK and BTKC481S in B-cell malignanciesLead Author: Linfang Wang, HUTCHMEDType: Poster presentationSession Number: PO.ET09.07 – Tyrosine Kinase and Phosphatase Inhibitors 1Abstract Link: https://www.abstractsonline.com/pp8/#!/10828/presentation/6728 Bruton’s tyrosine kinase (“BTK”), a member of the Tec family, plays a crucial role in signaling through B-cell receptor (“BCR”). BTK inhibition blocks BCR signals and prevents B-cell activation and growth. First-generation BTK inhibitors such as ibrutinib covalently binds to a cysteine residue (“C481”) of BTK. Their most frequent acquired resistance is the development of a serine mutation in the binding site (“C481S”). Next generation BTK inhibitors such as HMPL-760 aim to overcome this resistance to first-generation inhibitors. The poster outlined preclinical data showing HMPL-760 is a reversible, selective, highly potent BTK inhibitor targeting both BTKWT and BTKC481S. The first-in-human Phase I clinical trials of HMPL-760 are under way in patients with relapsed/refractory B-Cell Non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma (NCT05190068). HMPL-306 Title: Preclinical characteristic of HMPL-306, a CNS-penetrable dual inhibitor of mutant IDH1 and IDH2Lead Author: Na Yang, HUTCHMEDType: Poster presentationSession Number: PO.ET01.01 – Oncogenes and Tumor Suppressor Genes as Targets for Therapy 1Abstract Link: https://www.abstractsonline.com/pp8/#!/10828/presentation/8579 Mutations in isocitrate dehydrogenase (“IDH”) 1/2 are frequently identified in various cancers, such as acute myeloid leukemia (“AML”), cholangiocarcinoma, chondrosarcoma and glioma. Mutant IDHs (“mIDHs”) cause accumulated 2-hydroxyglutarate, leading to blockage of cell differentiation, thereby inducing malignant transformation. Rare cases were identified carrying co-existing mutations in IDH1 and IDH2. mIDH isoform switching, from mutant IDH1 to mutant IDH2 and vice versa, have been reported as a mechanism of acquired resistance to IDH inhibition in AML and cholangiocarcinoma. Thus, simultaneous inhibition on both mIDH1 and mIDH2 may be a promising strategy to overcome resistance and improve clinical efficacy. HMPL-306, a dual inhibitor of mIDH1/mIDH2, developed by HUTCHMED, is being evaluated in clinical trials (NCT04272957, NCT04762602, NCT04764474). The poster outlines preclinical data that shows that HMPL-306 is a potent, durable, dual inhibitor of IDH1/2 mutation that crosses the blood brain barrier and demonstrated effect on pharmacodynamic markers that lead to the differentiation of immature malignant cells to mature normal cells. The strong activity and favorable pharmacokinetics profiles support further clinical evaluation. HMPL-453 Title: HMPL-453, a highly selective inhibitor of fibroblast growth factor receptors 1, 2, and 3, displays potent activity in FGFR-altered tumor modelsLead Author: Jia Hu, HUTCHMEDType: Poster presentationSession Number: PO.ET01.07 – Growth Factor Receptors as Therapeutic TargetsAbstract Link: https://www.abstractsonline.com/pp8/#!/10828/presentation/8706 Fibroblast growth factors (“FGFs”) and their receptors (“FGFRs”) regulate numerous cellular processes. Dysregulation of FGFR signaling due to receptor fusion, mutation or amplification is observed across multiple cancer types, making activated FGFRs an important therapeutic target. Herein, we presented the preclinical characterization of HMPL-453, a highly potent and selective inhibitor of FGFR1, 2, and 3, discovered and being currently developed in Phase II clinical trial (NCT04353375) by HUTCHMED. The presentation outlines preclinical data that shows that HMPL-453 is a highly potent and selective inhibitor of FGFR 1, 2, and 3 with strong activity against FGFR-deregulated tumors in preclinical models, supporting continued investigation in patients with FGFR alterations (such as fusion and mutation) either as a single agent or in combination with PD-1 blockade. About Savolitinib (ORPATHYS® in China) Savolitinib is an oral, potent and highly selective MET tyrosine kinase inhibitor that has demonstrated clinical activity in advanced solid tumors. Іt blocks atypical activation of the MET receptor tyrosine kinase pathway that occurs because of mutations (such as exon 14 skipping alterations or other point mutations), gene amplification or protein overexpression. Іn 2011, AstraZeneca and HUTCHMED entered a global licensing and collaboration agreement to jointly develop and commercialize savolitinib. Joint development of savolitinib in China is led by HUTCHMED, while AstraZeneca leads development outside of China. HUTCHMED is responsible for the marketing authorization, manufacturing and supply of savolitinib in China. AstraZeneca is responsible for the commercialization of savolitinib in China and worldwide. Sales of savolitinib are recognized by AstraZeneca. About Surufatinib (SULANDA® in China) Surufatinib is a novel, oral angio-immuno kinase inhibitor that selectively inhibits the tyrosine kinase activity associated with VEGFR and FGFR, which both inhibit angiogenesis, and CSF-1R, which regulates tumor-associated macrophages, promoting the body’s immune response against tumor cells. Its unique dual mechanism of action may be very suitable for possible combinations with other immunotherapies, where there may be synergistic anti-tumor effects. HUTCHMED currently retains all rights to surufatinib worldwide. About HMPL-760 HMPL-760 is an investigational, non-covalent, third-generation BTK inhibitor. It is a highly potent, selective, and reversible inhibitor against both wild-type and C481S-mutated BTK. HUTCHMED currently retains all rights to HMPL-760 worldwide. About HMPL-306 HMPL-306 is a novel dual-inhibitor of ꞮDH1 and ꞮDH2 enzymes. ꞮDH1 and ꞮDH2 mutations have been implicated as drivers of certain hematological malignancies, gliomas and solid tumors, particularly among acute myeloid leukemia patients. HUTCHMED currently retains all rights to HMPL-306 worldwide. About HMPL-453 HMPL-453 is a novel, highly selective and potent inhibitor targeting FGFR 1, 2 and 3. Aberrant FGFR signaling has been found to be a driving force in tumor growth (through tissue growth and repair), promotion of angiogenesis and resistance to anti-tumor therapies. Abnormal FGFR gene alterations are believed to be the drivers of tumor cell proliferation in several solid tumor settings. HUTCHMED currently retains all rights to HMPL-453 worldwide.