Johnson & Johnson submits supplemental Biologics License Application to U.S. FDA seeking approval of DARZALEX FASPRO® (daratumumab and hyaluronidase-fihj)-based regimen for treatment of patients with transplant-eligible, newly diagnosed multiple myeloma

Data supporting the application showed the addition of DARZALEX FASPRO^® to lenalidomide, bortezomib and dexamethasone (VRd) induction and consolidation and lenalidomide maintenance therapy reduced the risk of progression or death by 58 percent compared to standard of care

If approved, the DARZALEX FASPRO^®-based regimen has the potential to provide an effective quadruplet therapy for many patients with newly diagnosed multiple myeloma who are eligible for transplant

 

RARITAN, N.J. (Jan. 30, 2024) – Johnson & Johnson announced today the submission of a supplemental Biologics License Application (sBLA) to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) seeking approval of a new indication for DARZALEX FASPRO^® (daratumumab and hyaluronidase-fihj) in combination with bortezomib, lenalidomide and dexamethasone (D-VRd) for induction and consolidation treatment and with lenalidomide (D-R) for maintenance treatment of adult patients who are newly diagnosed with multiple myeloma (NDMM) and are eligible for autologous stem cell transplant (ASCT).

This submission is supported by data from the Phase 3 PERSEUS (NCT03710603) study evaluating D-VRd induction and consolidation therapy, ASCT, and D-R maintenance therapy, compared to bortezomib, lenalidomide and dexamethasone (VRd), ASCT, and lenalidomide (R) maintenance. Results from the primary analysis showed that the study met its primary endpoint of progression-free survival (PFS), reducing the risk of disease progression or death by 58 percent (Hazard Ratio [HR], 0.42; 95 percent Confidence Interval [CI] 0.30-0.59; P<0.0001).[1] Treatment with D-VRd and ASCT followed by D-R maintenance also increased the depth of response with higher rates of complete response (CR) or better, stringent complete response (sCR) and minimal residual disease (MRD) negativity compared to treatment with VRd, ASCT and R maintenance. Overall, 64 percent of patients who entered the maintenance phase in the D-VRd arm were able to discontinue treatment with DARZALEX FASPRO^® after achieving a complete response or better and sustained MRD-negativity following at least two years of D-R maintenance in accordance with the protocol. The overall safety profile of D-VRd followed by D-R maintenance was consistent with the known safety profiles for DARZALEX FASPRO^®, VRd and R.

“We are committed to changing the course of multiple myeloma through building combination regimens such as D-VRd with complementary mechanisms of action. The DARZALEX FASPRO-based quadruplet therapy demonstrated a clinically significant reduction in the risk of progression or death for transplant-eligible, newly diagnosed patients with multiple myeloma,” said Craig Tendler, M.D., Vice President, Clinical Development, Diagnostics, and Global Medical Affairs, Johnson & Johnson Innovative Medicine. “Patients are most likely to experience their deepest and most durable responses during the first line of treatment with D-VRd. This regimen has the potential to improve long-term outcomes for newly diagnosed patients and we look forward to working with the FDA on the review of this application.”

Data from the PERSEUS study were presented as a late-breaking oral presentation (LBA–1) at the 2023 American Society of Hematology (ASH) Annual Meeting and simultaneously published in The New England Journal of Medicine.

About the PERSEUS study 

The PERSEUS study is being conducted in collaboration with the European Myeloma Network as the sponsor. PERSEUS is an ongoing, randomized, open-label, Phase 3 study comparing the efficacy and safety of D-VRd and ASCT followed by D-R maintenance vs VRd and ASCT followed by R maintenance in patients with transplant-eligible NDMM. The primary endpoint is PFS, and secondary endpoints include overall CR or better rate, overall MRD-negativity (in patients with CR or better), and overall survival. DARZALEX FASPRO^® was discontinued after at least 24 months of D-R maintenance therapy in patients who had a CR or better and had sustained MRD–negative status for at least 12 months. The median age is 61.0 (range, 32-70) years for patients in the D-VRd arm and 59.0 (range, 31-70) years for patients in the VRd arm. The study is being conducted in 14 countries in Europe and Australia.

 

About multiple myeloma

Multiple myeloma is a blood cancer that affects a type of white blood cell called plasma cells, which are found in the bone marrow.^[2] In multiple myeloma, these malignant plasma cells proliferate and replace normal cells in the bone marrow.^[3] Multiple myeloma is the second most common blood cancer worldwide and remains an incurable disease.^[4] In 2024, it is estimated that more than 35,000 people will be diagnosed with multiple myeloma in the U.S. and more than 12,000 will die from the disease.^[5] People with multiple myeloma have a 5-year survival rate of 59.8 percent.⁵ While some people diagnosed with multiple myeloma initially have no symptoms, most patients are diagnosed due to symptoms that can include bone fracture or pain, low red blood cell counts, tiredness, high calcium levels, kidney problems or infections.^[6],[7]

About DARZALEX FASPRO^®

DARZALEX FASPRO^® (daratumumab and hyaluronidase-fihj) received U.S. FDA approval in May 2020 and is approved for eight indications in multiple myeloma, three of which are for frontline treatment in newly diagnosed patients who are transplant eligible or ineligible.^[8] It is the only subcutaneous CD38-directed antibody approved to treat patients with multiple myeloma. DARZALEX FASPRO^® is co-formulated with recombinant human hyaluronidase PH20 (rHuPH20), Halozyme’s ENHANZE^® drug delivery technology.   

In August 2012, Janssen Biotech, Inc. and Genmab A/S entered a worldwide agreement, which granted Janssen an exclusive license to develop, manufacture and commercialize daratumumab.  

INDICATIONS

DARZALEX FASPRO^® (daratumumab and hyaluronidase-fihj) is indicated for the treatment of adult patients with multiple myeloma:

• 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, thalidomide, and dexamethasone in newly diagnosed patients who are eligible for autologous stem cell transplant
• In combination with pomalidomide and dexamethasone in patients who have received at least one prior line of therapy including lenalidomide and a proteasome inhibitor
• In combination with carfilzomib and dexamethasone in patients with relapsed or refractory multiple myeloma who have received one to three prior lines of 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

 

For more information, visit www.DARZALEX.com.  

DARZALEX FASPRO^® IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION

CONTRAINDICATIONS 

DARZALEX FASPRO^® is contraindicated in patients with a history of severe hypersensitivity to daratumumab, hyaluronidase, or any of the components of the formulation. 

WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS 

Hypersensitivity and Other Administration Reactions 

Both systemic administration-related reactions, including severe or life-threatening reactions, and local injection-site reactions can occur with DARZALEX FASPRO^®. Fatal reactions have been reported with daratumumab-containing products, including DARZALEX FASPRO^®. 

Systemic Reactions 

In a pooled safety population of 898 patients with multiple myeloma (N=705) or light chain (AL) amyloidosis (N=193) who received DARZALEX FASPRO^® as monotherapy or in combination, 9% of patients experienced a systemic administration-related reaction (Grade 2: 3.2%, Grade 3: 1%). Systemic administration-related reactions occurred in 8% of patients with the first injection, 0.3% with the second injection, and cumulatively 1% with subsequent injections. The median time to onset was 3.2 hours (range: 4 minutes to 3.5 days). Of the 140 systemic administration-related reactions that occurred in 77 patients, 121 (86%) occurred on the day of DARZALEX FASPRO^® administration. Delayed systemic administration-related reactions have occurred in 1% of the patients. 

Severe reactions included hypoxia, dyspnea, hypertension, tachycardia, and ocular adverse reactions, including choroidal effusion, acute myopia, and acute angle closure glaucoma. Other signs and symptoms of systemic administration-related reactions may include respiratory symptoms, such as bronchospasm, nasal congestion, cough, throat irritation, allergic rhinitis, and wheezing, as well as anaphylactic reaction, pyrexia, chest pain, pruritus, chills, vomiting, nausea, hypotension, and blurred vision. 

Pre-medicate patients with histamine-1 receptor antagonist, acetaminophen, and corticosteroids. Monitor patients for systemic administration-related reactions, especially following the first and second injections. For anaphylactic reaction or life-threatening (Grade 4) administration-related reactions, immediately and permanently discontinue DARZALEX FASPRO^®. Consider administering corticosteroids and other medications after the administration of DARZALEX FASPRO^® depending on dosing regimen and medical history to minimize the risk of delayed (defined as occurring the day after administration) systemic administration-related reactions. 

Ocular adverse reactions, including acute myopia and narrowing of the anterior chamber angle due to ciliochoroidal effusions with potential for increased intraocular pressure or glaucoma, have occurred with daratumumab-containing products. If ocular symptoms occur, interrupt DARZALEX FASPRO^® and seek immediate ophthalmologic evaluation prior to restarting DARZALEX FASPRO^®. 

Local Reactions 

In this pooled safety population, injection-site reactions occurred in 8% of patients, including Grade 2 reactions in 0.7%. The most frequent (>1%) injection-site reaction was injection-site erythema. These local reactions occurred a median of 5 minutes (range: 0 minutes to 6.5 days) after starting administration of DARZALEX FASPRO^®. Monitor for local reactions and consider symptomatic management. 

Neutropenia 

Daratumumab may increase neutropenia induced by background therapy. Monitor complete blood cell counts periodically during treatment according to manufacturer’s prescribing information for background therapies. Monitor patients with neutropenia for signs of infection. Consider withholding DARZALEX FASPRO^® until recovery of neutrophils. In lower body weight patients receiving DARZALEX FASPRO^®, higher rates of Grade 3-4 neutropenia were observed. 

Thrombocytopenia 

Daratumumab may increase thrombocytopenia induced by background therapy. Monitor complete blood cell counts periodically during treatment according to manufacturer’s prescribing information for background therapies. Consider withholding DARZALEX FASPRO^® until recovery of platelets. 

Embryo-Fetal Toxicity 

Based on the mechanism of action, DARZALEX FASPRO^® can cause fetal harm when administered to a pregnant woman. DARZALEX FASPRO^® may cause depletion of fetal immune cells and decreased bone density. Advise pregnant women of the potential risk to a fetus. Advise females with reproductive potential to use effective contraception during treatment with DARZALEX FASPRO^® and for 3 months after the last dose. 

The combination of DARZALEX FASPRO^® with lenalidomide, thalidomide, or pomalidomide is contraindicated in pregnant women because lenalidomide, thalidomide, and pomalidomide may cause birth defects and death of the unborn child. Refer to the lenalidomide, thalidomide, or pomalidomide prescribing information on use during pregnancy. 

Interference With Serological Testing 

Daratumumab binds to CD38 on red blood cells (RBCs) and results in a positive indirect antiglobulin test (indirect Coombs test). Daratumumab-mediated positive indirect antiglobulin test may persist for up to 6 months after the last daratumumab administration. Daratumumab bound to RBCs masks detection of antibodies to minor antigens in the patient’s serum. The determination of a patient’s ABO and Rh blood type are not impacted. 

Notify blood transfusion centers of this interference with serological testing and inform blood banks that a patient has received DARZALEX FASPRO^®. Type and screen patients prior to starting DARZALEX FASPRO^®. 

Interference With Determination of Complete Response 

Daratumumab is a human immunoglobulin G (IgG) kappa monoclonal antibody that can be detected on both the serum protein electrophoresis (SPE) and immunofixation (IFE) assays used for the clinical monitoring of endogenous M-protein. This interference can impact the determination of complete response and of disease progression in some DARZALEX FASPRO^®-treated patients with IgG kappa myeloma protein. 

ADVERSE REACTIONS 

In multiple myeloma, the most common adverse reaction (≥20%) with DARZALEX FASPRO^® monotherapy is upper respiratory tract infection. The most common adverse reactions with combination therapy (≥20% for any combination) include fatigue, nausea, diarrhea, dyspnea, insomnia, headache, pyrexia, cough, muscle spasms, back pain, vomiting, hypertension, upper respiratory tract infection, peripheral sensory neuropathy, constipation, pneumonia, and peripheral edema. 

The most common hematology laboratory abnormalities (≥40%) with DARZALEX FASPRO^® are decreased leukocytes, decreased lymphocytes, decreased neutrophils, decreased platelets, and decreased hemoglobin. 

Please click here to see the full Prescribing Information. 

About Johnson & Johnson

At Johnson & Johnson, we believe health is everything. Our strength in healthcare innovation empowers us to build a world where complex diseases are prevented, treated, and cured, where treatments are smarter and less invasive, and solutions are personal. Through our expertise in Innovative Medicine and MedTech, we are uniquely positioned to innovate across the full spectrum of healthcare solutions today to deliver the breakthroughs of tomorrow, and profoundly impact health for humanity. Learn more at https://www.jnj.com/ or at www.janssen.com/johnson-johnson-innovative-medicine. Follow us at @JanssenUS and @JNJInnovMed. Janssen Research & Development, LLC and Janssen Biotech, Inc. are both Johnson & Johnson companies.

Media contact:
Satu Glawe
+49 172 294-6264

Christie Corbett
+1 857-636-0211

Investor contact:
Raychel Kruper
[email protected]

U.S. Medical Inquiries
+1 800 526-7736.

 

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Cautions Concerning Forward-Looking Statements

This press release contains “forward-looking statements” as defined in the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 regarding product development of DARZALEX FASPRO^®. The reader is cautioned not to rely on these forward-looking statements. These statements are based on current expectations of future events. If underlying assumptions prove inaccurate or known or unknown risks or uncertainties materialize, actual results could vary materially from the expectations and projections of Janssen Research & Development, LLC, Janssen Biotech, Inc., and/or Johnson & Johnson. Risks and uncertainties include, but are not limited to: challenges and uncertainties inherent in product research and development, including the uncertainty of clinical success and of obtaining regulatory approvals; uncertainty of commercial success; competition, including technological advances, new products and patents attained by competitors; challenges to patents; changes in behavior and spending patterns of purchasers of health care products and services; changes to applicable laws and regulations, including global health care reforms; and trends toward health care cost containment. A further list and descriptions of these risks, uncertainties and other factors can be found in Johnson & Johnson’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended January 1, 2023, including in the sections captioned “Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements” and “Item 1A. Risk Factors,” and in Johnson & Johnson’s subsequent Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q and other filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Copies of these filings are available online at www.sec.gov, www.jnj.com or on request from Johnson & Johnson. None of Janssen Research & Development, LLC, Janssen Biotech, Inc., nor Johnson & Johnson undertakes to update any forward-looking statement as a result of new information or future events or developments.